Rep. Ilhan Omar has issued some harsh words for politicians who have taken the COVID-19 vaccine.
Earlier this month, Pfizer rolled out the first FDA approved vaccine throughout the United States. As the vaccine became available, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control recommended that frontline essential workers and citizens over the age of 75 get the vaccine first. However, many politicians under the age of 75 who have downplayed the impact of the pandemic have already received the vaccine. Sens. Marco Rubio and Joni Ernst posted photos of themselves taking the vaccine after understating the seriousness of the COVID-19 vaccine.
"I encourage all Iowans and Americans to do the same when their time comes," Sen. Joni Ernst said.
"Thanks to Operation Warp Speed and the tireless work of Americans across the country, we are one step closer to defeating this virus."
In response to these recent events, a number of politicians have criticized younger politicians like Rubio and Ernst for taking the Pfizer vaccine despite not being over the age of 75. Leading the way, Omar issued a series of tweets criticizing the act.
"[I have a] serious question. Is seemingly our entire top political leadership getting the vaccine ahead of others because of their age or their importance," author Anand Giridharadas tweeted.
"It would make sense if it was age, but unfortunately, it’s of importance and it's shameful. We are not more important than frontline workers, teachers, etc. who are making sacrifices every day. [That] is why I won’t take it. People who need it most should get it. Full stop," Omar replied.
Omar is one of many Americans who has been heavily impacted by the pandemic. She lost her father to the coronavirus in June.
Despite calls to halt taking the vaccine, key political leaders Vice President Mike Pence has moved forward with the treatment. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has not expressed any public interest in getting the COVID-19 vaccine. It is unclear if Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris will take the vaccine.
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