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As of July, the U.S. has hit a concerning plateau in vaccination rates during a critical phase of the pandemic. Many are experiencing pandemic fatigue, acting as if the crisis has passed. Yet, the highly contagious Delta variant is spreading rapidly, with daily new COVID-19 cases averaging around 84,000 by the end of last month. It’s clear that we need to take vaccinations seriously at this juncture. Unfortunately, some individuals still fail to grasp the significance of herd immunity. While it would be great if we could achieve herd immunity solely through vaccination incentives, that’s evidently not feasible. Therefore, whether you agree or not, vaccine mandates are on the horizon.
Currently, just over half of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated. A recent AP-NORC poll found that 45% of unvaccinated Americans are adamant about not receiving the vaccine, while 35% are likely to refuse as well. This is unfortunate because simply encouraging social distancing and mask-wearing hasn’t proven effective. The most straightforward method to end this pandemic is through achieving herd immunity via vaccinations.
Various levels of government are starting to make vaccination the more convenient option. The Biden administration has mandated vaccinations for all federal employees and contractors and is moving towards compulsory vaccinations in the military. Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs has implemented vaccine mandates for all frontline healthcare workers at its facilities.
New York City recently introduced the “Key to NYC Pass,” which requires proof of vaccination for most indoor activities, including gyms, restaurants, and performances, starting September 13. Private companies like Uber, Facebook, Google, Netflix, and Delta Air Lines have also begun instituting vaccine mandates, alongside nearly 600 colleges and universities that will require vaccinations.
Before anyone reacts strongly against vaccine mandates, it’s essential to note that they are not a new concept. Most people reading this have received vaccinations for diseases like measles, mumps, polio, and chickenpox—once common but now rare in the U.S. due to vaccines. There is also legal precedent for mandating COVID-19 vaccinations. States have long had the constitutional authority to require vaccinations, particularly those needed for children to attend public schools, a fact upheld by the Supreme Court in 1905 and 1922. Recently, a federal judge supported Houston Methodist Hospital’s vaccination requirement, and a court confirmed the legality of Indiana University’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Moreover, both the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have stated that businesses can lawfully require employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Legitimate medical or religious exemptions must be accommodated, but public schools are not required to honor religious or personal objections.
Skepticism about the vaccines being under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) is understandable. It’s worth noting, however, that mandates can still be enforced under an EUA. Currently, all state and military mandates depend on the full approval of the vaccines, with the FDA working to expedite full licensure for the Pfizer vaccine, likely happening by September, and Moderna soon thereafter.
While some individuals have valid reasons for opting out of vaccination, fears about government tracking are not legitimate. Just because you read something online doesn’t qualify you as an expert on vaccine safety. And if you still believe that the pandemic is a hoax, it’s hard to argue with that mindset.
Everyone has the right to refuse a vaccine, but this issue extends beyond the individual. Vaccinations are about public health and safeguarding vulnerable populations, including those with weakened immune systems and children who cannot be vaccinated. Vaccines aim to protect not just you and your family but also your neighbors, classmates, and co-workers. Vaccine mandates are not about infringing on personal rights; they are about collective responsibility and solidarity during a global health crisis.
This article was originally published on Aug. 13, 2021.
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Summary
Vaccine mandates are becoming a reality in the U.S. due to stagnating vaccination rates and the ongoing threat of the Delta variant. With over half the population vaccinated, government and private entities are taking steps to encourage vaccination through mandates. While some may resist these mandates, historical precedents support their legality. Vaccination isn’t only a personal choice; it’s a public health necessity, aimed at protecting the entire community.
Keyphrase: Vaccine mandates in the U.S.
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