Whether one receives the COVID-19 vaccine or not should be an individual choice. But with a number of elected Republicans sharing photos of them receiving the vaccine on social media, criticism has come from Americans that these politicians are receiving the vaccine before frontline healthcare workers and the elderly.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said she plans to receive the vaccine after the top priority groups receive it.
“My decision to wait isn’t based on any hesitancy about the vaccine. Rather, during this first phase, I want to make sure that those on the front lines caring for Iowans and long-term care residents who are at risk are vaccinated first,” Reynolds said. “I’m confident that the vaccine is both safe and effective, and I look forward to being vaccinated as soon as the supply increases and access expands to the broader population.”
That makes a lot of sense.
But it is not the approach being taken by every elected Republican.
Sen. Joni Ernst shared her photo of her vaccination on Sunday.
“Wow, so electeds get this before healthcare workers and compromised patients,” said one person.
“So you spend all this time denying the severity of COVID to Iowans and then you get one of the first doses of the vaccine. Classy,” Deena said.
“So, safe to assume all of the healthcare workers, first responders, teachers and essential workers you represent already got theirs? You should be ashamed of yourself,” Megan said.
“Thank you for being more important than Iowa ambulance crews, of which I am one,” Tim said.
“How did you jump the line? There are first responders and medical staff in Iowa who need the vaccine more than you do,” Bill said.
Sen. Tim Scott also drew the ire of people of social media on Monday when he posted a photo of himself being vaccinated.
Scott and Ernst both said they received the first dose of the vaccine at the recommendation of the Office of the Attending Physician.
Ernst said she encourages all Iowans to receive the vaccine “when their time comes.”
She noted it is also important to continue to wear a mask, social distance and follow government guidelines.
Considering the vaccine is limited and there are “essential workers” who want it, the optics of elected officials receiving the shot before the elderly and the healthcare workers are horrible.
To then post about it on social media is even worse.
Obviously, these Republicans are taking the shot in an effort to convince the public the vaccine is safe.
Even that has come into question with some, with these senators being asked on Facebook if they really received the shot.
Regardless, a healthy skepticism of the vaccine remains for good reason. And these elected representatives photographing themselves receiving the vaccine before others are given their turn just doesn’t seem bright.
