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Tallahassee Advocate Files Federal Complaint To Allow Inmate Vaccinations

Dr. Ed Holifield speaking at a 2010 public forum on the racial disparities of infant mortality in the area.
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Dr. Ed Holifield speaking at a 2010 public forum on the racial disparities of infant mortality in the area.

Dr. Ed Holifield contends the denial of COVID-19 vaccine to the incarcerated is a civil rights violation.

More and more people now have COVID vaccines available to them. Some who don't are those behind bars. Now a Tallahassee advocate is literally making a federal case over that.
Jail and prison inmates have no escape if the infection comes to call. Long time civil rights activist Dr. Ed Holifield said that fact should have moved them to the top of the vaccination list.

"Reality is the prisoners - the inmates - should have been vaccinated on day one."

Because they aren't yet on the state's vaccine priority list, Holifield has filed a complaint with the U.S. Justice Department, alleging the inmates' civil rights are being violated.

"How can they lock people up and have absolutely no concern as to whether they live or die?"

Leon County Sheriff's Office Spokeswoman
Shonda Knight insisted that's not the case in the local detention facility. She said every precaution against the virus is being taken and no current inmates are infected. She also said
it's the State of Florida that determines who is vaccinated when.

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Tom Flanigan has been with WFSU News since 2006, focusing on covering local personalities, issues, and organizations. He began his broadcast career more than 30 years before that and covered news for several radio stations in Florida, Texas, and his home state of Maryland.

Find complete bio, contact info, and more stories. here.