Richmond, VA — Today, Governor Ralph Northam led a virtual press conference highlighting Glenn Youngkin’s extreme, anti-vaccine agenda and what is at stake in this year’s governor’s race.
During last night’s debate, Youngkin refused to support requiring vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella –– which have been mandatory for Virginia students for over four decades. Glenn has made it clear: he will not follow the science and show the leadership necessary to keep Virginia students and families safe.
Throughout his campaign, Youngkin has been peddling a dangerous anti-COVID safety agenda, opposing and promising to repeal all vaccine requirements and rejecting CDC guidance for keeping Virginians and students safe. Youngkin has urged Virginians to opt-out of vaccine requirements for “whatever reason” and opposes commonsense COVID safety measures the majority of Virginians support. Virginia doctors have already condemned Glenn for advancing this dangerous rhetoric throughout his campaign. Youngkin is also funding anti-vaccine Republican candidates.
See below for key highlights and watch the full conversation here.
Governor Ralph Northam
"During last night’s debate, Mr. Youngkin was unclear on whether he would support requiring vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella –– a vaccine that has been mandatory for Virginia students for over four decades. […] I find this simply unbelievable."
"Glenn has made it clear: he will not follow the science and show the leadership necessary to end this pandemic and keep our fellow Virginians safe."
"Throughout his campaign, Mr. Youngkin has been peddling this dangerous anti-COVID safety agenda, opposing and promising to repeal all vaccine requirements and rejecting CDC guidance for keeping Virginians and students healthy.”
"Mr. Youngkin has urged Virginians to opt-out of vaccine requirements for ‘whatever reason’ and opposes commonsense COVID safety measures the majority of Virginians support. [...] Mr. Youngkin is also funding anti-vaccine Republican candidates who he hopes to empower in Richmond.”
“We cannot allow Glenn and his right wing, anti-COVID safety agenda anywhere near the governorship. The future of Virginia’s health, safety, and wellbeing is on the line."
Dr. Joseph Sakran
"Make no mistake about it: Youngkin is peddling dangerous views that would harm Virginia’s health and safety –– and also impact our ability to dig out of this COVID-19 pandemic.”
"During last night’s debate, Youngkin refused to clearly answer the question about whether he supports requiring vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella –– which have been mandatory for Virginia students for over four decades. That's simply unbelievable."
"Virginia doctors –– myself included –– have already condemned Glenn for advancing this dangerous rhetoric throughout his campaign, but he has kept doing it, again and again."
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