Sen. Rick Scott and his staff will forgo early access to the coronavirus vaccine, holding off until “vulnerable populations” are given the drug first.
Scott (R-Fla.) announced his decision in a statement released by his office Wednesday, saying he asked the Capitol physician to give doses allotted to his office to those in need.
“I’m incredibly proud of the hard work by so many Americans that led to the development and distribution of the coronavirus vaccines this month. As we turn the corner on this pandemic, the priority must be to make sure the elderly and at-risk populations, as well as our healthcare workers, have access to the vaccine first,” began Scott, who leads the Senate GOP’s campaign arm.
“My staff and I will wait to get the vaccine at the appropriate time determined by our personal physicians. I’ve asked that my office’s allotment be given to vulnerable populations that need the vaccine most,” he continued. “I served in the Navy and I learned that it’s always important for leaders to put the troops first.”
Scott, who tested positive for the virus last month, joins a growing number of lawmakers who have rejected the opportunity to take a coronavirus vaccine ahead of their constituents.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Reps. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) have all come out this week and said they will refuse the vaccine until all front-line health care workers and seniors have been inoculated.
Meanwhile, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) recorded herself on Instagram getting the vaccine last week.
AOC defended her decision by arguing she was promoting vaccine confidence by taking the treatment she was asking her constituents to trust.
Meanwhile, scores of congressional lawmakers have also taken to social media to broadcast themselves being jabbed with the Pfizer vaccine as part of a “continuity of governance” plan.
The plan allows them early access to the vaccine because their health is considered vital to the federal government operating and for national security purposes.
Despite having vaccines ready for lawmakers, the Capitol physician is not yet offering unused inoculations to staffers or anyone else on the Hill.