Huntsville Mayor Faces Criticism Over Vaccine Photo

HUNTSVILLE, AL — Alabama has lagged behind most states in the country in distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, as frustration has mounted among those who are still waiting to receive it. A recent photo posted on social media by Huntsville mayor Tommy Battle has not helped.

Battle posted a photo of himself and several local clergy members after receiving the vaccine, which drew the ire of many Alabama residents because none of the people in the photo appear to qualify for the vaccine yet.

After backlash on Facebook and Twitter, Battle defended the action, saying, "We understand and respect the frustration from our community in being able to get the vaccine. We are glad to hear many of you plan to do so! Today’s event was geared toward those who don’t want to take the vaccine."

Battle added, "This effort came from feedback in mid-December from African American pastors who relayed congregational concerns over the safety of the vaccine. Many City of Huntsville employees also expressed concern in taking the shot. Today’s media event was a collaboration between the Department of Public Health and the Huntsville-area COVID-19 Leadership Team to demonstrate to the public, and particularly our minority community, that the vaccine is safe. The team waited until after healthcare and frontline personnel were vaccinated and the state was well into phase 1B for essential workers before scheduling today’s shot.

"It is the hope of the Madison County Health Department and the Huntsville-Area COVID-19 Leadership Team that by seeing community leaders take the vaccine, it will inspire confidence in others to sign up for the shot so that we can all begin the new normal and keep each other safe and healthy."

Some of the main complaints toward Battle came from teachers and vulnerable residents under age 75 who are still waiting on their chance to receive the vaccine.

One Facebook member responded to Battle's explanation of the incident, saying, "Faith leaders are nowhere near the danger educators are in, and they have a choice to minister virtually. Teachers are not given that choice at all."

Another comment said, "I cannot believe you skipped over teachers especially since you're forcing them back into the classroom before the pandemic is over. Teachers and students represent thousands of the population in Huntsville and you didn't think teachers were important enough to be at the front of the line? No wonder Hsv has a teacher shortage if this how you treat them. Preachers can hold virtual church if they choose. They aren't forced into close contact with large groups. Keeping the teachers well helps keep the kids well. Poor judgment Huntsville."

"Faith leaders? The mayor? How many in his office got the vaccine?," said one person responding to Battle's post. "I’m 67 and still waiting. My husband is diabetic with heart problems. We both are still waiting!"

Alabama is still in Phase 1B of its vaccination allocation plan, with the next phase set to begin Feb. 8. The new phase extends eligibility for the vaccine to residents age 65-74, and a new set of frontline workers, including:

• First responders
• Corrections officers
• Food and agriculture workers
• U.S. Postal Service workers
• Manufacturing workers
• Grocery store workers
• Public transit workers
• People who work in the education sector (teachers, support staff, community college and higher education)Childcare workers
• Judiciary (including but not limited to) circuit judges, district judges and district attorneys

Related story: COVID-19 Vaccine Soon Available To Alabamians Age 65 And Older

As of Friday 148,549 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 175,326 doses of the Moderna vaccine have been given out to first responders, residents and staff of Alabama's nursing homes and individuals 75 and older.

A total of 772,275 vaccines have been delivered to Alabama, meaning that 42 percent of what has already been delivered to the state has been administered.

"Alabama is expanding its guidance despite the limited vaccine in order to accelerate the vaccine uptake in our state," state health director Dr. Scott Harris said. "I want to reiterate that any remaining vaccines that have not been administered are either someone's first dose and they are waiting on their appointment or they are waiting on their second dose. Any vaccine currently in the state has someone's name on it."