A White House source said the original plan would ensure essential staff at the White House and that some officials in all three branches of government would be vaccinated within the next 10 days.
Trump struck a deal with COVID-19 and returned in October. Many White House officials have COVID-19, which will reduce the need for quick access to the vaccine.
The news that White House staff would initially be vaccinated drew criticism on social media. Trump and his aides continue to violate COVID-19 guidelines issued by his own administration, including hosting big holiday parties with unmasked participants this December.
Officials on Sunday said the newly approved vaccine dosages from Pfizer will be available to those working in close quarters with the country’s top leaders. They said the move was to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the White House and other important facilities.
“Senior officials in all three branches of government will receive vaccinations following a continuation of government ethics established in administrative policy,” said John Juliot, a spokesman for the National Security Council. “The American people must have the confidence that they will receive the same safe and effective vaccine that senior US government officials receive on the advice of public health experts and the National Security Agency.”
The two men who explained the matter spoke anonymously because they did not have the authority to discuss the matter publicly. The New York Times Top US officials first announced that the vaccine would be available soon.
The move to vaccinate top U.S. officials is tantamount to releasing rapid testing machines for the corona virus, which were similarly controlled by the federal government with tools set aside to protect the White House complex and other important facilities.
According to the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is still not enough information to determine whether people with COVID-19 should be vaccinated.
Benz did not go down with the virus, and his aides are discussing when and how to get the vaccine because management will increase public confidence in the shot.
Loading
The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses administered three weeks apart, meaning Trump executives will receive the final shot a few weeks before leaving office.
Assistants to President-elect Joe Biden have been discussing when and how he should be vaccinated, and are working to establish programs to increase viral defenses in the West to keep the 78-year-old Democrat healthy.
According to a Capitol Hill official, lawmakers have not been told how many doses will be available, and it would be a foregone conclusion as to who might receive them. The officer had no authority to discuss it publicly and spoke anonymously.
AP, Reuters
Most viewed in the world
Loading
“Social mediaholic. Tv fanatic. Gamer. Professional explorer. Amateur music junkie.”