Fauci, Walensky push COVID-19 vaccinations, defend CDC messaging, in heated Capitol Hill hearing

Dr. Anthony Fauci and CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky testify before a Senate Committee on the government's efforts to combat COVID-19.

The nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rachel Walensky, testifying before the Senate Health Committee on Tuesday, painted the next stage of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as a race between the virus and its vaccines. The hearing comes hours after the Food and Drug Administration authorized coronavirus vaccinations for children ages 12 and up, widening the U.S. population that will be protected against the virus and bolstering chances for a safe return to full-time school in the fall. Asked what she would say to parents who are considering getting their kids vaccinated now, the CDC director, while acknowledging some parents may not want to be first in line, said she would encourage all parents to get their children vaccinated and for children to ask for the shot. "I recognize some parents want to see how it goes, but I am encouraging all children to be vaccinated. And I am also encouraging children to ask for the vaccine," Walensky said. "I have a 16-year-old and I continue he wanted to get the vaccine. He wants his life back."