Ward F Councilman Jermaine Robinson is criticizing challenger Frank Educational Gilmore following Gilmore’s admission last night that he had not been vaccinated against Covid-19.
Standing on the steps of Barrow Mansion for a candidate meet and greet, Gilmore said “I’m not vaccinated. My wife is vaccinated. I’m not vaccinated because I really want to see the actual data on the vaccine.” He said he was concerned about “the different types of side effect.”
Said Councilman Robinson in a press release, “Just like nearly 90% of Jersey City residents, I got vaccinated to protect myself, my family and my constituents, and I am demanding now that Frank Gilmore either prove that he has taken the vaccine or that he immediately stop holding in-person campaign events. Interacting with residents without being vaccinated is totally irresponsible and a clear danger to public health, and Frank Gilmore has taken it even further by speaking inside our public schools without a mask and potentially without being vaccinated. That has to stop now.” Robinson’s campaign is circulating a video clip of Gilmore’s statement.
This afternoon, Gilmore tweeted that he had received his first jab.
Standing next to Gilmore last night was Ward E Councilman James Solomon who released a statement. “The Covid-19 vaccine is safe, effective and is instrumental to ending this pandemic. Before last night’s event, I was unaware of Frank Gilmore’s vaccination status. Following the event, I had an honest and private discussion with Frank where he informed me that he is getting vaccinated this morning. This moment highlights how important it is that we all continue to have these types of conversations with our friends and families until everyone gets the vaccine.”
On its website, The Center for Disease Control advises that, “You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Some people have no side effects. Serious side effects that could cause a long-term health problem are extremely unlikely following any vaccination, including COVID-19 vaccination.”