Dr. Anthony Fauci wants everyone on board.
The director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases made an unexpected appearance at the MTA board meeting on Thursday: he asked agency workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine and remember his childhood riding the rails in New York City.
“The New York subway system is embedded in my brain,” Fauci said in a video message: he introduced himself as “Tony” and “someone who grew up in Brooklyn.”
“I took the subway every day to get from my house 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 take it from there to 14th Street in Union Square, where I would take the IRT Lexington Avenue Express to 86th and Lex to get to Regis on the 85th, between Madison and Park. And so I can relate cordially to the people who played an important role in my youth as a New Yorker. “
He then said he “strongly” encourages all MTA workers to get vaccinated against coronavirus.
“This pandemic has taken us a long time, and vaccination is the best way to fight and help restore our lives,” he said.
“Throughout the American pandemic, you have kept New York public transportation moving,” Fauci said. “That’s why you are essential workers at the helm of the line to receive a coronavirus vaccine. Take advantage of it, get vaccinated. “
He added: “The sooner they get vaccinated, the sooner we will be able to get our lives back and our country back.”
Fauci’s request comes after the virus killed at least 130 MTA workers and made many thousands more sick.
Last week, traffic workers were eligible to receive the shot in accordance with state regulations, and even got an economic bonus for receiving it, but the city’s implementation has been hampered by a difficult registration system and a lack of dose.
MTA President Pat Foye at Thursday’s meeting urged traffic workers to take Fauci’s advice.
“We cannot pass up this opportunity to crush the virus. We have come too far and our employees have worked so hard to keep the region moving during the pandemic, ”Foye said.