TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Half of the 10 Kansas officials eligible along with Gov. Laura Kelly for early COVID-19 vaccine shots are opting to wait, while the others are waiting or aren’t sure of their plans.

Kelly designated herself and the other officials for early shots in an effort to protect state government operations during the coronavirus pandemic.

LEGISLATIVE LEADERS

Kelly designated four Republican leaders of the GOP-controlled Legislature as eligible for immediate inoculations.

They are House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. an Olathe Republican; House Speaker Blaine Finch, an Ottawa Republican; incoming Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, an incoming Senate Vice President Rick Wilborn, a McPherson Republican.

All four said they would wait.

Ryckman, who was briefly hospitalized with COVID-19 during the summer, said he declined an early shot until all nursing home residents and front-line workers get shots. Masterson had much the same reason.

Finch said in an email to The Associated Press: “I couldn’t take the vaccine in good conscience while front-line medical providers and residents in nursing homes still haven’t received their doses."

Wilborn is recovering from complications from a recent COVID-19 infection and said he’s been advised not to get a shot yet. He and Ryckman are among seven legislators who’ve been infected since March.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

A spokesman for Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican, said he encourages people to get vaccinated but is waiting with “other healthy 52-year-olds” for his turn because others have a more urgent need for the vaccine.

Schmidt is considered a potential candidate for governor in 2022.

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, a Republican, is a pharmacist. She said she would join fellow health care workers in getting vaccinated.

“I hope to spur confidence in the vaccine and encourage others to become vaccinated as well,” she said in a statement.

OTHER TOP DEMOCRATS

Also eligible for early vaccines are State Treasurer-designate Lynn Rogers, who's filling a vacancy in that office starting in early January, and David Toland, named by Kelly to replace Rogers as lieutenant governor.

Kelly's office said both would get their shots.

Separately, Kelly’s husband, Dr. Ted Daughety, received his first vaccine shot last week. The first gentleman is a formerly-retired pulmonologist and sleep disorders specialist who is screening patients awaiting surgery for COVID-19 and other diseases.

OTHER TWO OFFICIALS

Kelly also designated Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert and Secretary of State Scott Schwab for early inoculations.

Luckert said in a statement that she doesn't know when she’ll get vaccinated.

A spokeswoman for Schwab, a Republican, said only that he “looks forward to receiving the vaccination at the appropriate time.”

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