Topline
Florida Governor. Ron DeSantis (R), won't confirm whether he will receive his second dose after he is eligible. This comes in the wake of public statements that questioned the effectiveness and safety of Covid-19 vaccines.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), speaks at the official opening of a monoclonal antibody website on August 18, 2021... [+] in Pembroke Pines. Florida Gov. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Key Facts
Christina Pushaw, a DeSantis spokeswoman, told the Orlando Sentinel that the governor intends to make "the right decision for him", which is not necessarily the right one for everyone. Pushaw stated in a Forbes statement that she didn't have any details about the governor’s medical decisions. DeSantis was eligible for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine shortly after he turned 18. However, DeSantis' support for vaccinations has changed significantly since April. Sometimes, to the point where he is openly skeptical. Right-wing politicians, including former President Donald Trump, have been displaying a more sceptical stance. After DeSantis had publicly declared in March that he was going to get the Covid-19 vaccine, the shot in April was taken.
What to Watch
FDA approval for Johnson & Johnson booster shot could be granted as soon as next week. This is following Friday's unanimous recommendation by an advisory panel that booster shots should be available to all persons 18 years and older.
Important Background
DeSantis' approach to Covid vaccines has changed since he first endorsed them in spring when he spoke at vaccination events. DeSantis stated in August that he did not believe vaccines "protect against transmission to the degree that we had hoped," but he has been more vocal in his support for post-infection treatment like monoclonal antibodies doses. DeSantis also made use of his governorship to take the strongest action against restrictions on public Covid in the country. Florida was an early adopter of vaccine mandate bans now common in Republican-controlled states, while DeSantis also banned public mask mandates, which has led to a legal battle between the state and local school districts that have put mandates in place despite the governor's orders. The spread of Coronavirus in Florida has been slowing down in recent weeks, after the state suffered its worst pandemic outbreak in the late summer and early autumn. This was due to a shortage of liquid oxygen.
Surprising Fact
Florida has a higher overall vaccination rate than the United States. The Mayo Clinic reports that 59% of Florida's population is fully vaccinated, while just 57% of the U.S. population is.
Tangent
The Wall Street Journal was told by Donald Trump that he won't be receiving a Covid-19 booster shot. DeSantis is a strong Trump supporter.
Continue reading
DeSantis will not say if hell gets Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster vaccine (Orlando Sentinel).
FDA Advisory Committee Recommends Booster Shots of J&J Vaccine for All Adults (Forbes).
Trump says it is unlikely that he will receive the Covid-19 Vaccine Booster shot (The Wall Street Journal).
Florida School Board Punishes Schools with Mask Mandates and Tries to Neutralize White House Efforts To Help Them Out
Covid Water Crisis: Orlando Urges Residents To Conserve Water Amid Liquid Oxygen Shortage (Forbes)
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