Vaccine Mandates Are On the Horizon – Whether You Approve or Not

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As of July, vaccination rates in the United States have plateaued at a concerning point in the pandemic, leading to widespread pandemic fatigue. Many appear to believe we are past the worst, but the highly contagious Delta variant is still surging, with new COVID-19 cases averaging around 84,000 daily at the end of last month. It’s clear that we need a renewed focus on vaccinations, yet a significant number of people are still unaware of the importance of herd immunity. While it would be ideal for the U.S. to achieve herd immunity through voluntary vaccination incentives, that seems increasingly unlikely. Thus, vaccine mandates are on the way.

Currently, just over half of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated. According to an AP-NORC poll, 45% of unvaccinated Americans say they will definitely not receive a vaccine, while 35% are likely to decline as well. This is unfortunate, considering that social distancing and mask-wearing have proven ineffective in controlling the spread. The most straightforward solution to end this pandemic is to achieve herd immunity through vaccinations.

Federal, state, and local authorities are beginning to facilitate vaccination as the default option. The Biden administration has mandated vaccines for all federal employees and contractors, and the military is transitioning to compulsory vaccinations. The Department of Veterans Affairs has also instituted vaccine mandates for all frontline health workers.

New York City has implemented the “Key to NYC Pass,” which requires proof of vaccination for most indoor activities, such as gyms, restaurants, and performances starting September 13. Additionally, various private companies—like Uber, Facebook, Google, Netflix, and Delta Air Lines—are also requiring vaccinations. Almost 600 colleges and universities are following suit with their own vaccine mandates.

Before anyone reacts strongly against these mandates, it’s important to understand that they are not a new concept. Most readers are likely vaccinated against diseases like measles, mumps, polio, and chicken pox, which were once common but are now rare due to vaccines. Legal precedents for vaccine mandates exist; states have had the authority to mandate vaccines for public school attendance for many years. This authority has been upheld by the Supreme Court as far back as 1905 and again in 1922. Recently, a federal judge upheld a vaccination requirement by Houston Methodist Hospital, affirming that it did not violate federal law. Similarly, a federal court ruled in favor of Indiana University’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have confirmed that businesses can lawfully require employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, provided they offer legitimate medical or religious exemptions. Public schools must provide medical exemptions for those at risk from vaccines, but they need not accommodate religious objections.

Skepticism remains about the COVID-19 vaccines, which currently only have Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). While this concern is valid, the DOJ and EEOC have made it clear that mandates can be enforced even under an EUA. However, all state and military mandates currently depend on full vaccine approval, which the FDA is expediting for the Pfizer vaccine, likely to occur by September, with Moderna following closely.

Some individuals may have legitimate reasons for not getting vaccinated, but those who refuse due to fears of government tracking are not presenting valid concerns. Simply put, your opinion based on internet research does not equate to expertise on vaccine safety. And for those who believe the pandemic is a hoax, it’s difficult to engage in rational discussion.

Everyone has the right to refuse a vaccine, but it’s crucial to recognize that this issue extends beyond individual choice. Vaccines promote public health and protect vulnerable populations, including those with weakened immune systems and children who cannot be vaccinated. The aim of vaccine mandates is not to infringe on personal rights but to foster collective well-being during a global health crisis.

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In summary, as COVID-19 vaccine mandates are increasingly being implemented across the U.S., it’s vital to understand their significance in achieving herd immunity and protecting public health. Vaccines are essential not only for individual safety but also for the safety of the community, particularly the most vulnerable among us.