Vice President Kamala Harris released a letter on Saturday from her White House doctor, who said she is in “excellent health” and is successfully managing some minor health issues.
Ms. Harris, 59, has seasonal allergies, mild nearsightedness and skin hives that she treats with over-the-counter and prescription medication, wrote Joshua R. Simmons, the physician to the vice president.
“Vice President Harris remains in excellent health,” Dr. Simmons wrote in a two-page letter that appeared to be a summary but not a complete medical report. “She possesses the physical and mental resiliency required to successfully execute the duties of the presidency, to include those as chief executive, head of state and commander in chief.”
Ms. Harris has not had diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis or neurological disorders, Dr. Simmons wrote.
The release of Ms. Harris’s medical information comes as her rival, former President Donald J. Trump, who at 78 is the oldest person to become a presidential nominee, has refused to reveal similar basic health information. Neither candidate for the White House has allowed journalists to ask additional questions of their physicians.
Because presidential candidates are under no requirement to share health records — their medical information is as private as any other citizen’s — campaign-season medical reports are often used to paint the rosiest picture possible of a person running for office. With only weeks until Election Day, Ms. Harris’s campaign is trying to contrast the release of her medical information with Mr. Trump’s refusal to do so and ignite questions about her opponent’s health.