Fox News host Sean Hannity at a 2019 event in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Politicon
Fox News host Sean Hannity implored viewers on his show Monday night to "please take COVID seriously" and get vaccinated against the virus.
Why it matters: Fox News has been criticized for views expressed by some personalities on its network who've been accused of spreading pandemic misinformation as they railed against health precautions.
- Notably, former Fox executive Preston Padden accused the network in a Daily Beast op-ed earlier this month of causing the "unnecessary deaths of many Americans" by "fueling" COVID-19 vaccine hesitation and "disparaging the wearing" of masks.
What he's saying: Hannity said earlier this year he was "beginning to have doubts" about whether he would take a vaccine.
- But on Monday night, he told "Hannity" viewers, "I believe in science, I believe in the science of vaccination."
- "I can't say it enough. Enough people have died. We don't need any more deaths," Hannity said.
Of note: Fox New hosts Steve Doocy and Bill Hemmer also urged people on Monday to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, the Hill notes.