Florida Rep. Vern Buchanan tests positive for coronavirus after vaccination

Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., revealed Monday that he has tested positive for coronavirus after being fully vaccinated and is experiencing very mild symptoms and quarantining at home.

Buchanan “has been fully vaccinated since it was made available to him earlier this year,” his office said.

The congressman added, “This should serve as a reminder that although the vaccines provide a very high-degree of protection, we must remain vigilant in the fight against Covid-19.”

Buchanan represents Florida’s 16th Congressional District, which includes Sarasota, and is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

More than 70 members of Congress have tested positive for Covid since the pandemic began, according to the legislative tracking website GovTrack.

Illnesses from coronavirus infections after full vaccination are expected but rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency is currently monitoring cases that result in hospitalization or death.