President Donald Trump.Photo: Erin Schaff - Pool/Getty
Shortly after the administration confirmed that White House officials would be among the first to receive thenovel coronavirus(COVID-19) vaccine, PresidentDonald Trumpsaid Sunday he had effectively halted that plan.
“People working in the White House should receive the vaccine somewhat later in the program, unless specifically necessary,” Trumpwrotein a tweet. “I have asked that this adjustment be made.”
The president, who himself recovered from the respiratory illness in October, tweeted that “I am not scheduled to take the vaccine, but look forward to doing so at the appropriate time. Thank you!”
Pfizer’sCOVID-19 vaccinebegan rolling out in the U.S. on Monday, with doses slated to be given out in a priority order.
The first inoculations will go to those with the highest needs, including healthcare workers, and residents and staff of long-term care facilities.
On Sunday, news reports suggested that senior White House officials, including those who work in close proximity to the president and vice president, would also be offered vaccines this week.
White House staffers being among the first to receive the vaccine received harsh criticism on social media.
Users noted that some administration officials (including the president himself) have oftenflouted public health guidelinesmeant to protect from spreading the virus, refusing to wear masks and continuing to frequent large-scale, indoor gatherings.
White House historian Michael Beschlosswrotethat the administration officials looking to get vaccinated were akin to “crew members whose bad judgement helped cause the ship to sink who are now oafishly elbowing their way to be first on the lifeboats.”
Others were more succinct, simply saying the news gave them a “rage blackout” or that anyone who attended a super-spreader event — such as oneheld at the White Housein September — should be among the “VERY LAST” to receive the vaccine.
America hasstruggled to contain the ongoing pandemicin recent weeks, with infections and deathsspiking across the country.
As information about thecoronavirus pandemicrapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from theWHOandlocal public health departments.PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMeto raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, clickhere.
source: people.com
