Sean Hannity Claims He Was Pressured to Promote COVID-19 Vaccines

Sean Hannity, host of Fox News' "Hannity," has stated that he experienced pressure to advocate for COVID-19 vaccines among his viewers. Hannity made these remarks during an episode of his podcast, "Hang Out," with internist Drew Pinsky.

"I was being pressured - pressured - to tell my audience to take the jab," Hannity said, recounting his experience during the pandemic. He expressed discomfort with the situation, citing his lack of medical expertise. "I'm not a doctor. I'm just not. I don't know anything about your health, I don't know anything about your preexisting conditions, your current condition, comorbidities you may have, and I don't know anything about this shot."

Hannity indicated that he navigated this pressure by featuring guests with differing perspectives and advised his audience to consult their doctors and make their own decisions. "But I kept putting people with different views on and I said: 'Take it seriously, consult your doctor, make your own mind up.'"

During the early stages of the pandemic, Hannity's public stance was characterized by downplaying the virus's severity, sometimes comparing it to the flu and suggesting it was being used politically against then-President Trump. His show at the time averaged between 2.8 million and 2.87 million total viewers nightly.

In July 2021, Hannity's public messaging shifted, and he began urging viewers to take the virus seriously and consider vaccination. "Please take Covid seriously. I can't say it enough. Enough people have died. We don't need any more death," he stated on air. "It absolutely makes sense for many Americans to get vaccinated. I believe in science, I believe in the science of vaccination."

On his podcast, Pinsky told Hannity that he handled the situation correctly. "The mandates came along, you couldn't move in the world without getting the shot, and that's the egregious part," Pinsky added.

Hannity did not specify who exerted this pressure or when it occurred. He also voiced frustration with claims that vaccines would prevent infection or transmission, labeling such assertions as "bullsh*t." Hannity and Pinsky also discussed recent diaries purportedly belonging to Anthony Fauci, suggesting they indicate the medical establishment misled the public.

Hannity also expressed disbelief that pregnant women and young children are still being recommended the vaccine, citing an alleged imbalance in risk versus reward. Medical experts, however, have generally categorized the vaccines as safe for these populations.

Earlier this year, Hannity's physical appearance, specifically a "puffy face," drew significant attention and concern from viewers.

Fox News has been contacted for comment.