Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, mandates have been the norm. Both in America and globally, people were ordered to stay home, to socially distance, and to wear masks. All of these mandates were put in place to protect the American people. However, in regard to the Coronavirus, is our protection still necessary and up to the government? During the beginning of the pandemic, the virus was scary and unknown. Although there are still quite a few unknowns, we know much more about the virus now then we did at first. There is less cause for fear, hysteria, and governmental control.
Fortunately, several experimental COVID-19 vaccines have been developed, and many people who need the vaccine can now have access to it. But there is the question: who needs the vaccine? The government and media are pushing for everyone to get vaccinated in efforts to achieve herd immunity. However, Dr. Fauci says achieving herd immunity would require about 90% of the population to receive the vaccine. The main way to achieve this is to mandate the vaccine.
For the remainder of this article, I am going to argue why the vaccine should not be mandated.
First and foremost, COVID-19 has a weighted-average survival rate of 99.7%. It makes hardly any sense to require – or let alone push for – a vaccine for a virus with a near 100% recovery rate. Secondly, a mandate would lead to shortages of the vaccine for those who really need it. Third, a mandate might ironically lead to a reluctance to getting vaccinated from those who are currently willing to get it. Shouldn’t they have a say in the matter? I thought it was “their body, their choice”.
As the vaccine is still in the experimental stages, a mandate could cause health risks, such as infertility in women, and potentially unknown long-term effects. None of the COVID vaccines have even been approved by the FDA, and that is why they are administered through an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The federal government confirmed they cannot mandate the vaccine while it is still under the EUA, but nothing is stopping schools, employers, and other businesses from requiring vaccination from their members.
The vaccine can eventually be very effective once more research has been done and the vaccine is FDA-approved, but currently the government is using its population as guinea pigs. There are proven ways to fight COVID including medications such as Remdesivir and Hydroxychloroquine, which has only a 1 in 17 billion chance of not being effective. Now that sounds more reliable than an experimental vaccine.
Furthermore, a vaccine mandate infringes upon our rights as U.S. citizens. It is unconstitutional under the 10th and 14th amendments. It is unconstitutional under the 10th amendment because the federal government does not have the authority, and it is unconstitutional under the 14th amendment according to the due process clause. In 2019, the Obamacare mandate was ruled unconstitutional for pushing the same healthcare premiums on all citizens at the expense of lifting taxes. Mandating the vaccine would have the same effect because who would pay for the “free” vaccines? The taxpayers.
Do not let vaccines be mandated like masks were, especially as the failures of the mask mandate are becoming more and more apparent. People are now starting to see the error of their ways. For example, Governor Abbott is allowing businesses to return to 100% capacity and lifting the mask mandate on March 10. Research from the CDC and NEJM has shown that masks are ineffective at preventing infection, so do not let the government make the same mistake with the vaccine. Reach out to your local offices. This is not a call to action to disrespect authority, but to inform your authority figures in hopes of maintaining your liberties as an American citizen.
I am so encouraged by this article!! Not only because I wholeheartedly agree with this article in it’s entirety, but the fact that FINALLY we are hearing some common sense from this generation!! As America slowly loses grip on her freedoms, I am hopeful that those of us who actually think and research for ourselves can find a peaceful way to help lead those who are happy to be told what to do and how to live! Awesome way to enlighten us Miss Summerville!!
A great article from a great young lady. Right on
all points.
Great article by an intelligent young lady. I agree with the article in it’s entirety, and am very proud of the author. Freedom is allowing the electorate to make their own choices. Every time a new mandate or law is passed, there is less freedom. Our elected officials should think long and hard before any mandates are enacted, and then only after consulting the people they are paid to represent.
Couldn’t agree with you more! Phenomenal article, Grace!
Very informative article Grace. I firmly believe in what you have said in your article. My husband and I are 75 and 78 so we did choose to get the vaccine. We got our first shot this Monday. We are from the generation of polio and the measles. So we made the decision to take the vaccine.
Well stated Grace! The point of “my body my choice” says it all to me! Something this new, this unknown should not be forced upon us. As a mom of teens, I worry about their future if given this vaccine, and for the rest what may come down the road from side affect. In time, after more knowledge has come from this vaccine, maybe those that oppose the vaccine may comply, so for now it should remain a CHOICE. I feel this is a step toward the next forced vaccine, or personal monitoring symbol of our compliance to government …..Freedom, isn’t free and this article is just one way to help pay for our freedoms. Speaking truth!!! I applaud this young lady for stepping out inside of a setting that isn’t for the conservative view generally! How encouraging to see and hear the common sense views from this generation. Keep on keeping on for the good of our country. God Bless Ms. Summerville. ❤️???
Agreed! Love that points are substantiated with evidence.