Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Trump Says His Staff Won't Get Vaccine First
The Washington Post: Trump Reverses Course On Plan To Have White House Staff Be Among First To Get Vaccine
President Trump reversed course on a plan to have some White House staffers be among the first Americans to be vaccinated against the novel coronavirus, tweeting late Sunday that they “should receive the vaccine somewhat later in the program, unless specifically necessary.” Earlier Sunday, White House officials had said that senior members of the Trump administration would receive priority as a vaccine is rolled out this week, an announcement that drew criticism in light of the fact that Trump and his top advisers have repeatedly downplayed the seriousness of the pandemic while flouting public health guidance. (Noori Farzan, 12/14)
Politico: Trump Rejects Plan For Early Vaccination At White House
President Donald Trump tweeted Sunday night that White House officials will not necessarily be given the first shot at the new Covid-19 vaccine. "People working in the White House should receive the vaccine somewhat later in the program, unless specifically necessary," Trump tweeted. "I have asked that this adjustment be made. I am not scheduled to take the vaccine, but look forward to doing so at the appropriate time. Thank you!" (Cohen, 12/14)
Fox Business: Trump Says White House Staff Members Will Be Vaccinated Later
In a statement, National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot told Fox News that the officials will receive vaccinations "pursuant to continuity of government protocols established in executive policy." "The American people should have confidence that they are receiving the same safe and effective vaccine as senior officials of the United States government on the advice of public health professionals and national security leadership," he said. (Musto, 12/13)
