Mayor Eric Garcetti Gets Coronavirus Vaccine And Backlash Ensues

LOS ANGELE, CA — Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, his office announced Thursday. The news prompted an immediate backlash.

Critics accused the forty-nine-year-old of cutting in line for the vaccine ahead of millions of vulnerable seniors, who can't get inoculated because of the vaccine shortage. His supporters contend he needs protection while playing a vital role in getting the city through the pandemic. It's a controversy mirrored on the national level as lawmakers are vaccinated ahead of their more vulnerable constituents.

Though Garcetti does not meet California's COVID-19 vaccination eligibility guidelines because of his age, he received the vaccine on Jan. 21 after he spent five days assisting efforts at the Dodger Stadium mass vaccination center.

"Mayor Garcetti has spent many days, as he is today, at Dodger Stadium, assisting on the frontline of the vaccination effort -- directly interacting with hundreds of Angelenos each day," Garcetti's Deputy Communications Director Alex Comisar said.

"The medical personnel strongly recommended that he receive the vaccine as they have recommended and provided for other field staff and volunteers at the site who have close contact with clients."

Currently, California's COVID-19 vaccination guidelines allow jurisdictions to offer vaccines to people 65 and older. In Los Angeles, health officials have warned it could take months to get all seniors vaccinated at the current rate. The holdup stems from the vaccine shortage.

Some seniors have found it impossible to obtain an appointment to get vaccinated in Los Angeles, a frustration breeding resentment among those left out. To see powerful politicians getting the vaccine denied them frustrated many.

"Isn’t that humorous!! On the front line!! Those of us 75 and up ARE in real danger," tweeted Stuart Charter. "I now know which Mayor I won’t be voting for. Utterly selfish!!"

"Wow, a whole 5 days of volunteering.. isn't he supposed to be doing mayoral things? Like homelessness and cutting ribbons?" tweeted Jeff Simpson Sr.

Still, others were glad to see their mayor getting the vaccine. They pushed back against the idea that the mayor isn't among the front line workers.

"You’re wrong, of course, government officials are front line," wrote Ana Perez. "They’re interacting with a lot of people on a daily basis. They don’t have the luxury of working from home."

City News Service contributed to this report.