Vaccine Mandates Are On The Horizon, Like It Or Not

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by Jamie Collins

Updated: Aug. 13, 2021

Originally Published: Aug. 13, 2021

As of July, the United States has faced a stagnation in vaccination rates at a critical time during the pandemic. Many are experiencing pandemic fatigue, acting as if we’ve turned a corner. Yet, the highly contagious Delta variant continues to spread, with new daily COVID-19 cases averaging around 84,000 by the end of last month.

We have reached a pivotal moment in this pandemic where serious action on vaccinations is required. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the population still doesn’t grasp the necessity of herd immunity. While it would be ideal for the U.S. to achieve herd immunity solely through vaccination incentives, that’s clearly not going to happen. Therefore, whether you approve or not, vaccine mandates are imminent.

Currently, just over half of Americans are fully vaccinated. An AP-NORC poll indicates that 45% of unvaccinated individuals are adamantly against getting the vaccine, and 35% are likely to refuse. This is concerning, as social distancing and mask-wearing are evidently ineffective. The most straightforward way to end this pandemic is through achieving herd immunity via vaccinations.

Federal, state, and local governments are progressing towards making vaccination the default and easier option. The Biden administration has mandated vaccinations for all federal employees and contractors, directing the military to initiate compulsory vaccinations as well. The Department of Veterans Affairs has also implemented vaccine mandates for frontline health workers in its facilities.

New York City has introduced the “Key to NYC Pass,” which requires proof of vaccination for access to most indoor activities, including gyms, restaurants, and performances starting September 13. Private companies like Uber, Facebook, Google, Netflix, and Delta Air Lines are also rolling out vaccine mandates. Additionally, nearly 600 colleges and universities will require vaccinations.

Before anyone gets overly upset about vaccine mandates, let’s clarify: these mandates are not a new concept. Most of you are likely vaccinated against diseases like measles, mumps, polio, and chickenpox. These infectious diseases were once commonplace but are now rare in the U.S. thanks to vaccines.

There is legal precedent for mandating COVID-19 vaccinations. States have long possessed the constitutional authority to impose vaccination requirements, such as those for children attending public schools. This authority has been upheld by the Supreme Court in both 1905 and 1922. A recent federal ruling confirmed that Houston Methodist Hospital’s vaccination policy is lawful, as is Indiana University’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Moreover, the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have determined that businesses can legally require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of workplace attendance, provided they allow legitimate medical or religious exemptions. Public schools must offer medical exemptions to protect those who could be harmed by vaccines, but they are not obligated to grant religious or conscientious objections.

Concerns surrounding the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the vaccines are valid. However, the DOJ and EEOC have clarified that mandates can still occur under an EUA. Nonetheless, many state and military mandates depend on full vaccine approval. The FDA has recently expedited its review of the Pfizer vaccine, with full licensure expected by September, and Moderna is likely to follow suit.

While some individuals have legitimate reasons for opting out of vaccination, fears of government tracking do not constitute a valid justification. Your internet research does not qualify you as a vaccine safety expert. And if you believe the pandemic is a fabrication… well, that’s another conversation entirely.

Everyone has the right to refuse a vaccine, but this issue extends beyond personal choice. Vaccines are about public health and safeguarding vulnerable populations, including those with weakened immune systems and children who cannot be vaccinated. Vaccinations are designed to protect not just you, but your family, neighbors, classmates, and co-workers. Vaccine mandates are not about infringing on rights; they are about the collective good and mutual solidarity during a global health crisis.

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Summary:

As vaccination rates plateau in the U.S., the government is taking steps to implement vaccine mandates to combat the pandemic. With a significant number of individuals resistant to vaccination, mandates are being introduced at federal, state, and local levels. Legal precedents support vaccine requirements, and despite concerns about Emergency Use Authorization, mandates are becoming a necessary means to ensure public health and safety.

Vaccine Mandates Are On The Horizon, Like It Or Not