Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul received a COVID-19 vaccination on Friday, becoming the highest-ranking New York official to publicly receive one. 

Hochul received a dose of the Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine, her office said. 

"The​ vaccine is the best shot we have at winning the war against COVID, and I encourage ALL New Yorkers to get vaccinated once eligible," Hochul wrote on Twitter. "It’s safe, easy, free -- and I didn’t experience any discomfort."

Hochul's vaccinaton comes as President Joe Biden has pledged all adults in the U.S. regardless of age, health, or occupation will qualify for the COVID vaccine by May 1. 

Hochul, 62, qualifies for receiving the COVID vaccine in New York after the state expanded eligibility to people age 60 and older. 

She is also receiving the vaccine as Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration has become engulfed in multiple controversies, including allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior, as well as scrutiny over his handling of nursing home deaths during the pandemic. 

Hochul as lieutenant governor is next in line if Cuomo were to leave office before his term ends.