Dr. Anthony Fauci wants everyone on board.
The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases unexpectedly appeared at the MTA board meeting Thursday – he called on the agency’s employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine and recalled his childhood on track in New York City.
“The New York City subway system is embedded in my brain,” Fauci said 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 either 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 pick up the IRT Lexington Avenue Express to 86th and Lex to get to Regis on 85th between Madison and Park. And so I can have a warm relationship with you who played an important role in my early days as a New Yorker. “
He then said that he “vigorously” encouraged all MTA workers to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.
“This pandemic has taken so much from us, and vaccination is the best way for us to fight back and help restore our lives,” he said.
“During the pandemic in the US, you kept New York City’s public transportation moving,” said Fauci. “That is why you are indispensable workers on the front line to get a coronavirus vaccine. Take advantage of it, get vaccinated. “
He added, “The sooner you get vaccinated, the sooner we can get our lives back and get our country back on track.”
Fauci’s plea comes after the virus claimed the lives of at least 130 MTA workers and sickened thousands more.
Transit workers were eligible for the shot under state rules last week – and even get a financial bonus for receiving it – but the city’s rollout was hampered by a clunky notification system and shortage of doses.
MTA chairman Pat Foye urged transit workers at Thursday’s meeting to follow Fauci’s advice.
“We must not 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, ”said Foye.