Governor Lee peppered with COVID questions in first briefing since dismissal of vaccine guru

Governor Bill Lee was peppered with questions at a Nashville press conference on Thursday concerning the firing of the state’s top vaccine official Dr. Michele Fiscus last week and a controversial ad campaign for COVID vaccines for kids.

Lee said he was not in direct communication with the Department of Health but did support Fiscus’ dismissal for her role in developing advertisements that he said directly targeted children to get a vaccine when that is the job of the parent.

The governor also said that it is the state’s job to provide information and the vaccine itself but there should not be a pressure factor for residents because Lee said taking the shot is a personal decision. He emphasized that the vaccine is the best defense for people against COVID and encourage clergy members, family, and others to encourage people to learn about the vaccine, its safety, and how it can help.

“…It’s inappropriate for government to pursue a vaccine that has been approved on an emergency basis for children without consulting their parents. That’s a mistake,” he said.

Fiscus says she was sent a muzzle in the mail prior to her dismissal that was called for by a collective of Republican lawmakers.