Here are the top US government officials who have received the coronavirus vaccine – USA TODAY

Vice President Mike Pence received the COVID-19 vaccine on December 18. USA TODAY

After months of tragedy and turmoil that have left more than 310,000 people in the U.S. dead, thearrival of a vaccine for COVID-19 has brought fresh hope that the end of the coronavirus pandemic is in sight and the top members of the U.S. government are lining up to demonstrate that shots are safe and effective.

Experts say it is important for top government officials to be among the first to receive doses of the vaccine in order to boostconfidence among the American people, half of whom are either uncertain about getting it or flatly opposed, according to a recent poll by The Associated Press. Inoculating top government officials is also part of a plan to ensure the continuity of government.

Here are the top officials who have received the vaccination so far.

Pence,the head of the White House's coronavirus task force, was vaccinated for COVID-19Dec. 18 ina live, televisedevent, along with his wife, Karen Pence.

Pence was given the vaccine developed by Pfizer that is being distributed throughout the country. He is expected to receive the second dose of the vaccine in early January.

"Karen and I hope this step today will be a source of confidence and of comfort to the American people," Pence said.

Brian Monahan, the Attending Physician of the United States Congress, administers the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.,in the U.S. Capitol Building on Dec. 18, 2020 in Washington.(Photo: Pool, Getty Images)

Pelosiwas given the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine Dec. 18.

"Today, with confidence in science & at the direction of the Office of the Attending Physician, I received the COVID-19 vaccine," Pelosi said in a tweet. "As the vaccine is being distributed, we must all continue mask wearing, social distancing & other science-based steps to save lives & crush the virus."

McConnell announced he had been inoculated less than an hour after Pelosi.

"Just received the safe, effective COVID vaccine following continuity-of-government protocols. Vaccines are how we beat this virus," McConnell tweeted, adding he had to get back to work to finish negotiating a new coronavirus relief package.

Schumer announced that he received the COVID-19 vaccine in a tweet on Dec. 19.

At the advice of the attending physician in the Capitol, I received the first of two shots of the COVID-19 vaccine today, Schumer tweeted. The vaccine is safe and effective, and I encourage everyone to take it as it becomes available.

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Here are the top US government officials who have received the coronavirus vaccine - USA TODAY