"Queer Eye" star Jonathan Van Ness proudly rolled up his sleeve and received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and hopes to inspire those who are HIV-positive to follow his lead.
Taking to Instagram on Monday, the 33-year-old television personality shared a snap of him getting his first jab and stressed the importance of those with preexisting conditions to check their vaccine eligibility.
MORE: 'Queer Eye' star Jonathan Van Ness announces surprise marriage"In NY, where I’m working the vaccine program expanded to include people w pre-existing conditions, being HIV+ is one of the conditions that allows folks to be vaccinated," he said. "If you’re HIV+ please check your states guidelines to see if you’re eligible and get vaccinated against covid-19!"
Van Ness, who also goes by his initials, JVN, continued, "There was a list of other conditions that allows for vaccination so wherever you are check the lists and see if you can get in line."
"Had I not been looking online everyday I wouldn’t have seen, so def get involved with your search. This was my first shot and other than minor soreness in my arm had no side effects and will get my second shot in a few weeks," he noted, before encouraging his more than 5 million followers to be extra vigilant when scheduling their vaccination appointment.
"Each state has different guidelines so you’ll want to look into yours. Definitely need patience, resolve, access to internet to do this," JVN assured. "If you can help others obtain information or access plz [do] so."
MORE: How activists pushed to include people with HIV in COVID-19 vaccine trialsThe "Queer Eye" star's famous friends, including co-star Tan France, congratulated him on being able to receive his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
JVN first revealed he was HIV-positive in his 2019 memoir, "Over the Top."
