Although many believe that President Trump is an antivaccinist, it's not. Just received updated vaccines against Covid and seasonal flu
US President Donald Trump has recently been vaccinated against Covid-19 and seasonal flu, in a routine medical check-up at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The information was confirmed by an official report published by the white house doctor, Dr. Sean Barbabella, who mentioned that the president's health is “exceptional”, with excellent results at the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and metabolic level.
US President Donald Trump/ PHOTOEPA/ EFE
The gesture comes at a sensitive moment for the public health policy in the United States, marked by controversies related to access to Covid-19 vaccines. While the secretary for health, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skeptical positions, has imposed new restrictions on the eligibility and distribution of rape doses, Donald Trump seems to be clear from this approach.
Trump reaffirms his firm support for vaccination
Through his recent actions and statements, the president reaffirms his pro-vaccine position adopted since his first term. He was the architect of the “Operation Warp Speed” initiative, which allowed the rapid development and distribution of the first anti-Covid vaccines in 2020. Despite the anti-vaccine rhetoric from some members of his administration, Trump continued to publicly support the efficiency of vaccines.
“These vaccines work. They simply work. They are not controversial. I think they should be used. Otherwise, some people will contract the disease and endanger others.”Trump said this week, in an event held at the White House.
He added that many consider the “remarkable” anti-Covid vaccines, joining other essential vaccines, such as the one against poliomyelitis.
A clear approach difference between Trump and Kennedy
In contrast, the Secretary for Health, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., introduced guides that limit access to Covid-19 vaccines, recommending only people over 65 and those with pre-existing conditions, and requesting medical consultation before the most population. Kennedy, who in the past called the anti-Covid vaccine “the most fatal vaccine ever created”, was harshly criticized in Congress, including Republican senators.
Trump, on the other hand, avoided adopting his secretary's anti-vaccine rhetoric. Recently asked about the differences of opinion between him and Kennedy, the president replied that the secretary “has a different perspective” on public health, but has reaffirmed that his support for vaccines remains unchanged.
The president's vaccination occurs against the background of increasing tensions within the administration, generated by the measures adopted by Kennedy, including reducing the research financing for MRNA technology vaccines, worth $ 500 million. Also, recently, Kennedy fired CDC director Susan Monarez, whom he himself had appointed, after he refused to support the recommendations of the Commission of Vaccinations, criticized for anti-immunization positions.
However, Trump has chosen to continue supporting for the development and administration of vaccines, even in the context of internal political pressure. His recent message to vaccine producers, who asked for additional evidence regarding the effectiveness of the serums, was followed by answers from Pfizer, Modern and Novavax companies, who presented data on the significant reduction of mortality among the vaccinated population.
