Governor hopeful Chase says she does not plan to get the COVID vaccine when it is her turn – Progress Index

Bill Atkinson|The Progress-Index

Don't plan on standing in front of or behind state Sen. Amanda F. Chase in any line to get the COVID-19 vaccine she does not want it.

Chase, one of two announced Republican candidates for the 2021 gubernatorial nomination, said she does not plan to get the vaccine, and posted a link to a Washington Times article claiming a nurse who got the vaccine fainted during a press conference in Tennessee to talk about the first vaccinations there. This week, the first wave of Pfizer Inc.-manufactured vaccines were given out to healthcare workers in all 50 state per Centers for Disease Control protocols.

"Thank you, Washington Times, for not hiding this story," Chase posted. "Allow the people to fully educate themselves on the COVIDvaccine thats rolling out to our healthcare workers and let the people make an informed and educated decision."

As for her own choice, Chase concluded the post with, "I will not be getting the vaccine,"

The Times, a traditionally conservative-leaning news outlet, reported that nurse manager Tiffany Dover was explaining how the vaccine was being administered when she fainted at the podium 17 minutes after getting her shot. But the article goes on to say that doctors at the hospital where she works said the fainting spell was not related to the vaccine but to an existing condition Dover has, which she confirmed in the article.

Chase whose Senate district includes the city of Colonial Heights has been an outspoken critic of Virginia's response to the pandemic and restrictions placed on social gatherings, the wearing of face masks and public accessibility, In her campaign around Virginia, Chase is appearing at rallies where social-distancing is not practiced, and no one including the candidate herself is wearing a mask. Her campaign mantra over curbing the spread has been, "Educate, not mandate."

Politicians from both sides of the aisle have promoted the safety surrounding the vaccine. Vice President Mike Pence was vaccinated Friday morning, and former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama have vowed to be publicly vaccinated.

A spokeswoman for Del. Kirk Cox of Colonial Heights, who also is seeking the Republican nomination for governor next year, said Friday that while Chase may not be in the line when the vaccines are given to everyone else not associated with front-line healthcare or LTC residents, her candidate will be.

"At some point down the road, when the vaccine is more broadly available to the public, Delegate Cox would have no issue getting vaccinated," Cox press secretary Kristin Bennett said.

Bill Atkinson (he/him) is the news director of The Progress-Index, located his hometown of Petersburg, Va. He is also the breaking-news coordinator and has been known to "nerd out"over political news coverage and history. Contact Bill at batkinson@progress-index.com, and follow him on Twitter at @BAtkinson_PI, and subscribe to us at progress-index.com.

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Governor hopeful Chase says she does not plan to get the COVID vaccine when it is her turn - Progress Index