When the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine was first approved for children between the ages of 5 and 11, Sesame Street’s Big Bird tweeted that he “got the Covid-19 vaccine.” He explained that his wing hurt but that it was worth it for protection against Covid-19.

Now that the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines for babies and toddlers have been given emergency use authorization in the U.S., Sesame Street‘s Elmo, who is supposed to be about 3 and a half years old, and Elmo’s dad Louie, have participated in a PSA about the vaccines for young children.

In the PSA, Elmo has a bandaid on his arm, and Louie says how proud he is of Elmo for getting vaccinated for Covid-19. They do not state whether Elmo got the Pfizer vaccine or the Moderna vaccine.

Elmo describes his experience getting the vaccine. He said, “There was a little pinch, but it was ok.” Then Elmo leaves to get his toy, baby David. Meanwhile, Louise looks directly at the camera addressing any parents watching, explaining that he talked to Elmo’s pediatrician before deciding whether or not to get his son vaccinated for Covid-19. In the end, he decided the vaccine was the right thing to do.

Watch the PSA for yourself below.

Elmo and his dad, Louie, share their experience with COVID vaccination and encourage other families to get vaccinated. Louie reminds parents of the importance of vaccines in protecting children and keeping them healthy. #CallYourPediatrician if you have questions. pic.twitter.com/KjmzAdObO7

— American Academy of Pediatrics (@AmerAcadPeds) June 28, 2022

In a news release, Sesame Workshop, the company that produces Sesame Street, explained that they partnered with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to produce the PSA staring Elmo and Louie.

Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council, explained, “We know there is tremendous relief that comes with the authorization of these vaccines for kids under 5, but many questions too. It’s important that parents feel informed and confident about what the COVID-19 vaccines mean for their families, and we are proud to work with our partners, medical experts – and of course Elmo – to spread that message.”

Not everyone thinks this Sesame Street PSA is appropriate. One comment on the PSA pointed out that it feels more directed at children than adults since it stars children’s characters. Then there’s Texas Senator Ted Cruz who tweeted, “Thanks, @sesamestreet for saying parents are allowed to have questions! You then have @elmo aggressively advocate for vaccinating children UNDER 5. But you cite ZERO scientific evidence for this.”

Do you think the Sesame Street PSA for Covid-19 vaccines for babies and toddlers is appropriate? Do you feel the ad is directed more at parents or children? If you have children under 5, do you plan to get them vaccinated for Covid-19?