Fla. Sen. Rick Scott says his administration won't take vaccine before vulnerable populations

Florida GOP Sen. Rick Scott says he will not receive the COVID vaccination until after it has been made available to at-risk groups. The senator's office announced the decision Wednesday, saying the lawmaker wants the allotted doses for his staff to go 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,” Scott said.

Several members of Congress have said they will wait to get the vaccine until vulnerable populations have had access to it including Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Reps. Brian Mast, R-Fla., Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii.

“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,” Scott also said.

Other congressional lawmakers, including Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortes, have become scrutinized for taking the vaccine instead of allowing others to have first access.