Rutgers Global Health Institute director Richard Marlink is among the “experts, pundits, and social media users” interviewed for a national story about U.S. Congress members being among the first to receive coronavirus vaccines. In the following excerpt, he discusses public perception:
Marlink acknowledged high-profile influencers promoting vaccination can help assuage public doubts, but that does not necessarily justify bending the rules so they can get the vaccine before their age or health dictates they should. Adhering to official guidance can also send a positive message.
“Sure, take the high-profile person, have them take their mother in, or go to a frontline worker in their family,” he said. “There’s other ways to lead.”