Another RI Lawmaker Reverses Criticism Of Vaccine Mandate

PROVIDENCE, RI — A second Rhode Island lawmaker has changed his position when it comes to mandated COVID-19 vaccines for health care workers. Rep. Carlos Tobon asked that his name be removed from a letter calling for Gov. Dan McKee to change the policy.

Tobon said that he initially signed the letter because he "underst[ood] the fear and trepidation that some of my constituents felt concerning this new vaccine. Whether these apprehensions were rooted in fact or not, the anxiety felt by these individuals is very real."

"After more consideration and conversations with those I represent in District 58, I realized there is a significant difference in regards to public health when comparing the risks of an unvaccinated worker in most professions to that of medical professionals who provide care for all of our residents," Tobon continued. "Individuals who care for patients of COVID-19 and numerous other health issues must protect themselves and their patients, and the only way to do this is through vaccination."

The letter was initially signed by 33 members of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, including all but one of the 10 Republicans and 24 Democrats. It called for McKee to reconsider the Oct. 1 deadline for health care workers to get vaccinated or potentially face termination. Along with Tobon, Rep. Raymond Hull also reconsidered his position and asked that his name be removed from the letter.

"Frontline workers were the heroes who took care of us and our loved ones in the dark, frightful and uncertain days of the pandemic," Tobon concluded. "The numbers of those with COVID-19 have drastically dropped due to the vaccines they are now administering, and I encourage them to vaccinate themselves as well."

Read more: 33 Lawmakers Call For Changes To RI's Health Care Vaccine Mandate