Blaz bops rev. for vax ‘exemption’

Mayor de Blasio teed off Tuesday on a Brooklyn preacher who’s been writing COVID vaccination “exemption” letters for people trying to avoid new vaccine mandates as Hizzoner continued to promote incentives for New Yorkers to get their shots.

Last week, the Rev. Kevin McCall told the Daily News that members of his congregation were flocking to him for letters that he said would grant them an exemption from mandatory vaccinations. He also actively encouraged people from outside his church to join so they can get one of the letters.

But on Tuesday, de Blasio said it’s no use.

“I know Rev. McCall. I respect him. I appreciate him. I was very saddened to see that. I think that’s a mistake. I think it should stop. Those quote-unquote ‘exemptions’ are not going to be honored,” Hizzoner said. “People should recognize it’s so important to get vaccinated. Leaders of veritably every faith tradition have stepped forward and encouraged vaccination.”

McCall (photo) declined to comment when asked to respond to the mayor’s words. But a day earlier, he already seemed to have toned down his message somewhat.

“We should go back to our principles of asking what would Jesus do at this time?” he said in a message posted on social media Monday. “I encourage everyone to either get vaccinated or get tested regularly and wear your mask.”

Last week, de Blasio appeared with several prominent faith leaders — including Timothy Cardinal Dolan, the Rev. A.R. Bernard and Rabbi Joe Potasnik — to promote the city’s vaccination efforts.

On Monday, he highlighted the city’s vaccination strategy again by pointing to $100 incentives for individuals who get vaccinated, and another $100 incentive for every person that houses of worship, community-based groups and restaurants persuade to get jabs.

NYC Health + Hospitals CEO Mitchell Katz said health care workers have not been submitting exemption letters such as those promoted by McCall to get out of being inoculated.

He also pointed out that such letters don’t work. “No one can grant you a religious exemption,” he said. “Religious exemptions are based on someone’s personal, sincerely held beliefs.”