U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., is calling for Congress to investigate how vaccinations for COVID-19 are distributed.
Scott pointed to reports that MorseLife Health System in West Palm Beach offered vaccines to donors and board members instead of to the residents of its nursing home and assisted-living facility.
“I applaud the administration’s tireless efforts to develop the vaccines and quickly distribute millions of doses to our states. Right now, the priority is getting these vaccines out to those that need it most. The first priority is our seniors and vulnerable population, and our healthcare and frontline workers,” Scott said on Thursday.
“It is absolutely disgusting and immoral that anyone would take vaccines intended for nursing home residents to distribute them to their friends. This type of gross mismanagement will not be tolerated, and those responsible must be held accountable. We have to do everything possible to get this vaccine out in an efficient and fair manner, and I am calling for a full congressional investigation into reports of improper vaccine distribution,” Scott added.
Scott worked as a healthcare executive before running for governor in 2010. In 2018, after eight years in Tallahassee, he was elected to the U.S. Senate.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.