Tennessee GOP leaders urge delay of toddler COVID-19 shots

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Top Tennessee Republican House leaders on Wednesday urged Gov. Bill Lee to delay the state's health department from distributing and promoting the COVID-19 vaccines to infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

In a letter sent to the Republican governor, House leaders said they had too many concerns surrounding the vaccine for those under 5 years old.

“We ask that you direct the Tennessee Department of Health to halt distribution, promotion or recommendation of COVID-19 vaccines for our youngest Tennesseans,” the letter stated. It was signed by leading Republicans including House Speaker Cameron Sexton and House Majority Leader William Lamberth.

The lawmakers added that the “COVID-19 emergency has long passed in Tennessee" though that declaration is disputed by public health experts.

The letter came just days after Florida raised eyebrows for being the only state in the country not to preorder the vaccine for its toddlers. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said hat he wouldn't facilitate their distribution, but the shots are available to those who want them.

Tennessee's Republican lawmakers have long been skeptical of the COVID-19 vaccine ever since it became available in late 2020, even as U.S. regulators have maintained the shot is safe for adults and children. Nevertheless, the GOP-controlled General Assembly has enacted legislation largely banning vaccine requirements and some members threatened to dissolve the state's health agency after it encouraged kids to get the vaccine.

Shots for the nation's youngest children became available this week, expanding the nation’s vaccination campaign to children as young as 6 months.

The shots offer young children protection from hospitalization, death and possible long-term complications that are still not...