Politicians in Kentucky decide whether or not to get the vaccine early

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Politicians across the city, state, and nation are facing a decision of when is the best time to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Politicians have been getting the vaccine earlier than the rest of the population in hopes that people will gain trust in it.

But on Monday, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles announced he will wait until the vaccine is readily available to get the injection.

According to Quarles, there are people out there that deserve the vaccine more than he does.

“I am a 37-year-old with no preexisting conditions. I feel like the elderly, our front-line workers and those at risk deserve early access to the COVID-19 vaccine before rank and file politicians and so today I hope that that vaccine goes to somebody who is more worthy of it than myself,” said Quarles.

WNKY asked the Bowling Green Mayor Elect Todd Alcott what his thoughts were about politicians getting the vaccine early.

His answer; he would be getting one as soon as he can to set an example.

Although he understands why some may choose to let others go first, he believes strongly in leading by example.

“I think it’s really important that leaders step up to the plate and they show the public that it’s good enough for them. It’s good enough for everyone. This is important. This is talking about our public health and in order for our public health to get better our leaders need to show and represent that we are willing to take the vaccine ourselves,” said Alcott.

Alcott is encouraging the community to do the research and strongly consider getting the vaccine.

“If you look at the stats, the stats right now say about 1 out of 3 will not take this vaccine and it won’t work for us as a public if that happens because it will continue to spread and it is spreading right now like rapid, like wildfire,” said Alcott.

Commissioner Quarles stressed that he will get the vaccine and believes in its efficacy in his news release.

Mayor Elect Alcott will be getting his vaccine in the next couple of weeks.