WASHINGTON DC, USA — US Vice President Kamala Harris released a summary of her medical records on Saturday, October 12, 2024, with her White House physician declaring her to be in excellent health.
The release marks the first time Harris, 59, has disclosed her medical history to the public.
According to the report from Joshua Simmons, the vice president is “a healthy 59-year-old female” with a medical history that includes seasonal allergies and urticaria, commonly known as hives.
The report indicated that Harris manages her allergies with over-the-counter medications and has been undergoing allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for the past three years to address her hives.
The physician emphasised that Harris has never experienced severe allergic reactions, such as angioedema or anaphylaxis.
The report also noted that Harris maintains a healthy lifestyle, following a balanced diet and engaging in regular aerobic and core strength exercises.
“She drinks occasionally in moderation and does not use tobacco products,” Simmons added.
“She possesses the physical and mental resiliency required to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, including those as Chief Executive, Head of State, and Commander in Chief,” Dr Simmons concluded.
Harris’ last medical examination in April 2024 was described as “unremarkable,” with routine tests and bloodwork yielding normal results.
Simmons mentioned only mild sun damage on her skin as the sole abnormality.
Comparison with Trump’s Medical Disclosures
Presidential candidates traditionally release their medical records to reassure voters about their fitness to lead.
This is the first detailed release from Harris, whose potential role as president has been a subject of increased scrutiny given President Joe Biden’s age of 81.
Former President Donald Trump, now 78, pledged in August to release his medical records but has yet to do so.
Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, defended the former president’s health in a statement Saturday, citing previous assessments from Dr Ronny Jackson.
“All have concluded he is in perfect and excellent health to be Commander in Chief,” Cheung said, though no new comprehensive medical records have been made available.
Trump’s most recent medical update came in November 2023 via a brief letter from Dr. Bruce Aronwold, who claimed that Trump was in “excellent health” following a series of unspecified exams.
The letter, however, lacked detailed information on vital signs, medications, or specific test results.
Campaigns Focus on Health and Age
With age becoming a central theme in the 2024 election, Harris’ team is seeking to shift attention to Trump’s own fitness to serve.
A senior aide to Harris hinted that the vice president’s campaign will emphasise Trump’s age and stamina on the trail.
Trump has frequently criticized President Biden’s age, calling him “Sleepy Joe,” but the Harris campaign has adopted a similar approach against Trump.
A recently released ad questions Trump’s capacity to govern and raises concerns about his ability to complete a full term.
The ad shows a video clip of Trump slurring his words at a public event, with a Fox News host commenting that Trump “has been off his game.”
The campaign ad also questions the readiness of Trump’s running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, to assume leadership in case Trump becomes incapacitated.
