AP Photo/Patrick Semansky
- Sen. Lindsey Graham said on Monday that he's tested positive for COVID-19.
- "I feel like I have a sinus infection and at present time I have mild symptoms," he tweeted.
- The Republian senator has been vaccinated against the coronavirus.
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Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina announced in a tweet on Monday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
The congressional lawmaker wrote that he experienced "flu-like symptoms" on Saturday and visited the doctor on Monday.
"I was just informed by the House physician I have tested positive for #COVID19 even after being vaccinated," he tweeted. "I started having flu-like symptoms Saturday night and went to the doctor this morning."
The Republican senator added that he's glad that he received the coronavirus vaccine and will begin to quarantine.
"I feel like I have a sinus infection and at present time I have mild symptoms," he continued. "I will be quarantining for ten days. I am very glad I was vaccinated because without vaccination I am certain I would not feel as well as I do now. My symptoms would be far worse."
Graham got his COVID-19 shot in December, shortly after the Food and Drug Administration authorized two vaccines, Moderna and Pfizer, for emergency use in the United States.
He posted the moment on Twitter at the time, writing: "Thank God for those who produced these vaccines. If enough of us take it, we will get back to normal lives."
Graham received the Pfizer vaccine, his spokesperson told Insider.
-Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 19, 2020
Graham has been at the Capitol in recent days without a mask. According to public health guidelines, vaccinated people do not need to wear a face covering in areas of low transmission. At least 92% of senators are vaccinated, per a CNN poll in May.
The Senate also does not require members of Congress and staffers to wear masks, unlike the House.
Coronavirus cases have been exploding in the US as the country fights the rapidly spreading and highly contagious Delta variant. Unvaccinated people make up the majority of new infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Coronavirus cases among vaccinated individuals, known as "breakthrough cases," are still to be expected, as no vaccine is 100% effective, the CDC noted. However, evidence shows that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to coronavirus, per the CDC.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said during a press briefing on Monday that the data shows breakthrough cases are rare and mild.
"We certainly do hope that Senator Graham has a speedy recovery," Psaki told reporters.
