Texas judge slams politicians for cutting ahead of essential workers on same day Gov. Abbott received COVID vaccine

For the last 10 months, essential workers have been on the front line fighting the pandemic, and many have yet to receive COVID-19 vaccine priority as the coronavirus continues to ravage states across the country. Now, a Fort Bend County, Texas judge is pushing back against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's prioritization of politicians over essential workers when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to KHOU, Fort Bend County Judge KP George released a letter expressing his concerns about the state's vaccine distribution on the same day Abbott received his initial vaccine dose. George also called out the politicians who downplayed the severity of the pandemic and "used masks and scientific guidelines in games of political ping-pong" for skipping the vaccination line.

"Before politicians, many of whom used masks and scientific guidelines in games of political ping-pong, get access to the COVID-19 vaccine, essential workers such as our medical staff, grocery store workers, nonprofit organizations, educators, food service workers, police officers, and other essential staff should have priority."

George also expressed the importance of essential workers, whom he described as "teachers, grocery store workers, and police officers," being prioritized for vaccination.

"The limited supply of the Pfizer vaccine necessitated that the administration be strictly targeted to those serving directly in hospital settings, emergency settings, and, as well as, locations with vulnerable residents," George wrote, adding, "However, strong efficacy news of the Moderna vaccine brings us hope that a larger supply will allow a more rapid expansion of the administration efforts."

George also cited the "Critical Population" category under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines as he urged "the consideration and adoption of the CDC recommendations by the State of Texas and prioritizing such essential workers before the politicians start receiving the vaccines."