Tennesseean: “The Tennessee state government on Monday fired its top vaccination official, becoming the latest of about two dozen states to lose years of institutional knowledge about vaccines in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The termination comes as the virus shows new signs of spread in Tennessee, and the more-transmissible delta variant surfaces in greater numbers. Dr. Michelle Fiscus, the medical director for vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization programs at the Tennessee Department of Health, said she was fired on Monday and provided a copy of her termination letter. It provides no explanation for her termination.”
“Fiscus said she was a scapegoat who was terminated to appease state lawmakers angry about the department’s efforts to vaccinate teenagers against coronavirus. The agency has been dialing back efforts to vaccinate teenagers since June. ‘It was my job to provide evidence-based education and vaccine access so that Tennesseans could protect themselves against COVID-19,’ Fiscus said in a written statement. ‘I have now been terminated for doing exactly that.’ Sarah Tanksley, a spokesperson for the health department, said the agency would not comment on the termination.”