MEMPHIS, Tenn. — People in other parts of Tennessee love to ridicule Memphis and Shelby County. But we do enjoy one thing only a few of them have – an independent health department. And right now that is a huge blessing – because state health officials and conservative politicians across Tennessee seemingly have lost their minds on the issue of vaccines.
It was bad enough that Republican lawmakers forced the firing of Dr. Michelle Fiscus, the state’s leading vaccination expert, over giving COVID vaccines to teenagers. But the state health Department has now halted all vaccine outreach to youngsters – not just for COVID, but for all other diseases as well.
Thankfully, Shelby County’s health department says it will not follow the state’s ridiculous move. It will continue to provide a comprehensive vaccination program for county residents of all ages. But with the state cutting off its vaccine outreach, local health officials predict they will have a tougher time getting kids vaccinated for things beyond COVID.
The firing of Dr. Fiscus and the conservative attack on life-saving vaccinations have made Tennessee a national embarrassment, and rightfully so. The state health department has allowed silly conspiracy-driven politics to get in the way of public health. And Gov. Bill Lee, as usual, is showing absolutely no leadership.
Tennessee is already far behind most states in COVID vaccinations, but at least we live in a county that can call its own shots. And that’s my point of view.