Republicans and anti-vaxxers are absolutely furious that Big Bird got a Covid vaccine

We all know that Big Bird from Sesame Street is a Muppet, but given that a load of Republicans and anti-vaxxers are upset about a children’s character getting the coronavirus vaccine, it looks like there are a few extra muppets around at the moment.

It comes after the lovable puppet took to Twitter on Saturday to share the news that he had received her Covid-19 jab – although he gave no mention as to which branded vaccine he had, and whether it was the first or second dose.

“I got the COVID-19 vaccine today! My wing is feeling a little sore, but it’ll give my body an extra protective boost that keeps me and others healthy.

“[CNN reporter] Ms. @EricaRHill even said I’ve been getting vaccines since I was a little bird. I had no idea,” he wrote.

However, while many were relieved that the childhood favourite had some protection against the coronavirus, the news appeared to ruffle some feathers from US politicians and others critical of Covid vaccinations.

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Texas senator Ted Cruz (who, unlike Big Bird, can fly – albeit to Cancun in the middle of a weather crisis affecting his state) wasn’t happy, describing it as “government propaganda for your five-year-old”.

And it seems Cruz wasn’t the only one angry at a fictional bird getting the coronavirus vaccine:

Others, meanwhile, were relieved that the icon was finally jabbed, but given the pandemic has been happening for almost two years now, they were wondering why he was so late in getting inoculated:

We’d encourage other Muppets like Count von Count to get vaccinated too because, without protection, the stakes are just too high.