First Presidency statement, 19 January 2021
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which consists of Russell M. Nelson, president of the church; Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor; and Henry B. Erying, second counselor, released this statement on vaccines in general and the COVID-19 vaccines in particular when they received their own COVID-19 vaccines that day:
In word and deed, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has supported vaccinations for generations. As a prominent component of our humanitarian efforts, the Church has funded, distributed and administered life-saving vaccines throughout the world. Vaccinations have helped curb or eliminate devastating communicable diseases, such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, smallpox and measles. Vaccinations administered by competent medical professionals protect health and preserve life.
As this pandemic spread across the world, the Church immediately canceled meetings, closed temples, and restricted other activities because of our desire to be good global citizens and do our part to fight the pandemic.
Now, COVID-19 vaccines that many have worked, prayed, and fasted for are being developed, and some are being provided. Under the guidelines issued by local health officials, vaccinations were first offered to health care workers, first responders, and other high-priority recipients. Because of their age, Senior Church leaders over 70 now welcome the opportunity to be vaccinated.
As appropriate opportunities become available, the Church urges its members, employees and missionaries to be good global citizens and help quell the pandemic by safeguarding themselves and others through immunization. Individuals are responsible to make their own decisions about vaccination. In making that determination, we recommend that, where possible, they counsel with a competent medical professional about their personal circumstances and needs.
General Handbook, 38.7.13
The church’s General Handbook, which helps local church leaders administer church programs and functions and outlines general church policies, states:
Vaccinations administered by competent medical professionals protect health and preserve life. Members of the Church are encouraged to safeguard themselves, their children, and their communities through vaccination.
Ultimately, individuals are responsible to make their own decisions about vaccination. If members have concerns, they should counsel with competent medical professionals and also seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost.
Prospective missionaries who have not been vaccinated will likely be limited to assignments in their home country.
Additional information
- Press release, 19 January 2021 — includes a review of the church’s long-standing support of immunization
- First Presidency’s 1978 letter on the importance of immunizations
Video on Latter-day Saint Charities’ immunization outreach efforts in the Philippines
