Former Alabama Governor Robert Bentley announced he has received a Covid-19 vaccination Friday. Bentley made the announcement on his social media pages.
On Twitter, Bentley stated, “First dose is done! I’m so grateful to receive the COVID vaccine today. I appreciate the scientists, researchers and leaders who have worked so hard to deliver a safe and effective vaccine. Praying we will soon see an end to this pandemic.”
First dose is done! I’m so grateful to receive the COVID vaccine today. I appreciate the scientists, researchers and leaders who have worked so hard to deliver a safe and effective vaccine. Praying we will soon see an end to this pandemic. pic.twitter.com/9MhToHBcDA
— Governor Robert Bentley (@GovRBentley) December 18, 2020
Bentley is a physician, and received a degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine, reported CBS42.com. Bentley returned to working as a physician after he resigned from office in 2017. In 2019, he opened a dermatology office in Tuscaloosa.
According to DCH Health System records, Bentley is a practicing physician affiliated with the hospital, reported MSN.com. While some have criticized the former governor for getting the vaccine ahead of others, Andy North, DCH vice president for marketing and communications stated, “As I understand it, physicians were included in that initial prioritization without an indication of where they practice. If a doctor is on our physician finder then they have some level of privileges with the hospital.”
Alabama public health officials developed a COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation Plan to determine who gets the vaccine first. Current vaccines are reserved for the Phase 1A population. ADPH guidelines describe one group as “frontline health workers, including clinical and non-clinical workers in hospitals, nursing homes, EMS, or those providing in-home or mental health care directly.” There is a 1A “subset” that includes “Non hospital-based physicians, nurse practitioners, private offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers, County Health Departments, subspecialties, and mental health and treatment centers.”
