Dr. Anthony Fauci wants everyone on board.
The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases made an unexpected appearance at the MTA board meeting on Thursday – calling on agency officials to get the COVID-19 vaccine and recalling his childhood walking along the tracks in New York City.
“The New York subway system is built into my brain,” said Fauci in a video message – introducing himself as “Tony” and “someone who grew up in Brooklyn”.
“I took the subway every day to get from my home in Brooklyn, to and from Regis High School in Manhattan. I would take the BMT – what was then called the West End line – when I lived in Bensonhurst, or what was then called the Sea Beach line when I moved to Dyker Heights. I would go from there to 14th Street in Union Square, where I would take the IRT Lexington Avenue Express to 86th with Lex to get to Regis on 85th between Madison and Park. And so I can relate warmly to you, who played an important role in my youth as a New Yorker. “
He then said that he “strongly” encourages all MTA employees to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.
“This pandemic has cost us a lot and vaccination is the best way to fight and help restore our lives,” he said.
“During the pandemic in the United States, you kept New York’s public transport moving,” said Fauci. “This is why you are essential workers on the front lines to receive a coronavirus vaccine. Enjoy, get vaccinated. “
He added: “The sooner you get vaccinated, the sooner we can get our lives back and our country on track.”
Fauci’s appeal came after the virus took the lives of at least 130 MTA workers and sicken thousands of others.
Public transport workers became eligible for the injection under state rules last week – and even receive a financial bonus for receiving it – but the city’s implantation was hampered by an awkward registration system and a lack of doses.
MTA President Pat Foye, at Thursday’s meeting, asked public transport workers to follow Fauci’s advice.
“We must not miss this opportunity to end the virus. We went too far and our employees worked hard to keep the region moving during the pandemic, ”said Foye.