After 10 months in a global pandemic, a coronavirus vaccine is slowly being rolled out to American citizens.
Since the vaccine is being distributed by the government, each state has the authority to develop a distribution plan, making people of certain ages, health restrictions or professions a higher priority for vaccination.
In California, home to the showbiz – which has struggled since the pandemic began – healthcare professionals and citizens over 65 can be vaccinated by one of the two approved options, according to Variety.
The launch plan was widely criticized for its slow movement, but that hasn’t stopped some Hollywood titans from using their own resources – be it money, fame, connections or even private planes – to get a vaccine for themselves.
STARS THAT RECEIVED THE COVID-19 VACCINE
Sources told the agency that music industry mogul Irving Azoff, 73 and eligible to get the vaccine on his own, has facilitated vaccinations for people close to him.
“I am a 73-year-old cancer survivor. I recently had part of my intestine removed. It is true that I received the vaccine, and I am glad I did,” Azoff said in a statement to Variety. “All those eligible must be vaccinated as soon as they can.”
The distribution plan for the COVID-19 vaccine in California has been widely criticized for its slow implementation. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
He did not confirm whether anyone else had been vaccinated.
The neurological spine surgeon from Newport Beach, California, Dr. Robert Bray, is said to have recommended the vaccination of several notable figures, including Azoff. The doctor is circulating among powerful circles on the recommendation of the incumbent president and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Robert Goldstein, the sources said.
Bray told Fox News’ that his office did not function as a concierge service and, although he was contacted by industry figures, he did not administer vaccines to any of them.
In addition, he said his practice was following the state’s tier system and was allocating any “extra” doses at the clinic’s discretion, although such a dose is “very rare”.
The doctor said he knows Goldstein, but told Variety that because of HIPPA, he could not reveal whether it was his contacts.
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In addition, Dr. Robert Huizenga in Beverly Hills told Variety that his practice was offered at more than $ 10,000 by people – some of whom were entertainment industry employees – in exchange for a vaccination.
“We received offers of bribes. We see people taking planes to all locations, ”he explained. “We saw people trying to temporarily enter the healthcare profession or the nursing home team, to qualify for an early vaccine.”
The doctor added that “You can’t really blame [industry figures] to pull all the stops. The state and the government created a really horrendous system. “
Dr. Robert Ansell, director of UCLA’s executive health program, was bombarded with requests on where to get vaccination in Los Angeles’ Westside neighborhoods, reports Variety.
President Joe Biden expects 1.5 million coronavirus vaccines to be administered daily within a few weeks. (AP Photo / Alex Brandon)
((AP Photo / Alex Brandon))
“UCLA is operating according to the rules and has not given a single chance to concierge patients,” said a service member.
A spokesman added that “philanthropic support is by no means a criterion for determining vaccine application and there are no programs or options to circumvent vaccination priorities at UCLA Health. We are following the guidance of the County Department of Public Health. Los Angeles and prioritizing health care workers, followed by patients 65 and older who face the greatest risk based on their medical conditions. As supplies increase and guidelines expand, we are prepared to increase the number of people who have the opportunity to be vaccinated. “
Members of the UCLA Board of Regents, including United Talent Agency co-chairman Jay Sures, Mandalay Entertainment CEO Peter Guber, and former Paramount Pictures chief Sherry Lansing would have received calls from friends in the industry to ask about receiving a vaccine.
Lansing told Fox News that “absolutely no one”, inside or outside the entertainment industry, asked her to cross the line when it comes to getting a vaccine, and although she has discussed vaccination with contacts, she has been more of a friend informal – conversation with a friend, rather than advisory or informational.
Beverly Hills celebrity pharmacy Mickey Fine also told patients via an audio message that they have not yet received the vaccines for distribution.
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Insiders also told the channel that some industry officials, such as managers, producers, agents and even directors, have turned their focus towards obtaining vaccines for family members of stars.
“It’s ‘The Hunger Games’ out there,” said an anonymous industry executive.
Some chose to seek help beyond California.
Former Dick Clark Productions CEO Allen Shapiro, 73, reportedly took a private jet to Florida in search of a vaccine. Vaccination in the state has been a hot topic, as Governor Ron DeSantis recently allowed patients to be vaccinated without proof of residence, but this was revoked by state surgeon general Scott Rivkees. Sources said Shapiro owns properties in the state.
Former Time Warner CEO Richard Parsons, 72, recently confirmed that he traveled from New York to Florida to be vaccinated.
Maui is another important point for travelers to find treatment.
However, it is important to note that some of the Hollywood heavyweights are doing their due diligence, as a high-powered Hollywood figure has been seen waiting in line at Dodgers Stadium for so long that a witness thought the executive’s Tesla could run out of battery the output.
In fact, Harrison Ford, 78, made his own appointment to be vaccinated and waited in line for two and a half hours to be treated while Arnold Schwarzenegger, 73, Steve Martin, 75 and more stars shared their vaccination experiences online.
“Industry people in these positions should use their power to help and heal the system, not hurt it,” a media executive who once worked as a healthcare worker told Variety.
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Dr. Art Caplan, director of the medical ethics division at the NYU School of Medicine, said that doing so would be “bad behavior”.
“It must not be tolerated. We must find ways to penalize him, ”he said. “We have 91 years waiting, health professionals waiting. People who are wealthy can easily find ways to quarantine, mask and remain isolated for another month or two and more [vaccines] will be available. “
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UCLA and Sures did not immediately respond to Fox News’s request for comment, while Guber and Goldstein could not be reached immediately.