After testing positive for COVID-19 last week, Fox News host Neil Cavuto begged the news network’s viewers to get vaccinated, saying that doing so likely saved his life.
“I can’t stress this enough. It’s not about left or right, not who’s conservative or liberal. Last time I checked, everyone, regardless of political persuasion is coming down with this,” Cavuto told Howard Kurtz on Fox News’ media program “MediaBuzz” on Sunday. “Take the political speaking points and toss them! For now, I’m begging you, toss them! And think of what’s good not only for yourself but those around you.”
Cavuto has a long public history of health issues, including multiple sclerosis and a compromised immune system, making him particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. During the remote interview, he noted that recent COVID-19 reports show that around half of the breakthrough cases of COVID among vaccinated individuals are of immunocompromised people.
“There are many like that all around us, and mine is not secret at Fox. But there are plenty of people around you, Howie, at Fox and all types of business environments who are susceptible to this kind of thing,” he said.
While Fox News has not issued a vaccine mandate for its workers, parent company Fox Corporation revealed last month that 90% of its employees across all its divisions have been vaccinated. Fox workers who are not vaccinated must take regular COVID-19 tests.
Yet the network has come under fire for its pundits’ attacks on the Biden Administration and other state and local governments that have implemented such mandates on government employees and requirements to show vaccination or negative COVID test proof to enter businesses and public events.
The issue has even divided contributors at the network. Hours prior to Cavuto’s “MediaBuzz” segment, Fox News contributor Lisa Boothe said on “Unfiltered with Dan Bongino” that she will not get vaccinated in protest of the Biden Administration. Meanwhile, Fox News medical expert Dr. Nicole Saphier criticized those who cited the COVID-related death of former State Sec. Colin Powell to challenge the efficacy of vaccines.
While Cavuto says he understands his viewers’ sentiments on mandates, he urged them to think about how their actions affect the most vulnerable. “Life is too short to be an ass. Life is way too short to be ignorant of the promise of something that is helping people worldwide,” he begged. “Stop the deaths. Stop the suffering. Please, get vaccinated. Please.“
Watch Cavuto’s segment on “MediaBuzz” in the clip above.
