President Joe Biden is seriously considering a proposal that would require all US troops to get a COVID vaccine.
Biden told NBC that he hasn’t decided whether to mandate the requirement himself or leave the decision to the military. “I’m not saying I won’t…I think you’re going to see more and more of them getting it,” he said. “And I think it’s going to be a tough call as to whether or not they should be required to have to get it in the military, because you’re in such close proximity with other military personnel – whether you’re in a quarters, where you’re all sleeping, or whether you’re out in maneuvers.”
For Biden to impose such a requirement, the FDA would first have to issue standard approval for the vaccines rather than an emergency use authorization. Even if this becomes a priority, standard approval would take six months or longer. As it stands, up to one-third of military personnel have declined the vaccine.
The same battle is playing out at colleges and universities. At least 80 percent plan to force students and staff to get the COVID vaccine in the fall.
Like everything else, the debate has become politicized with Democrats largely in favor of vaccine requirements and Republicans against.
According to recent polls, 72% of Democrats believe colleges should force students to get the vaccine, while just 28% of Republicans think so. Already, red states including Texas and Florida have signed orders banning institutions that receive state funds from requiring proof of vaccination.
Last week, Connecticut’s Democratic Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation ending the state’s religious exemption for mandatory vaccinations for students. Beginning in 2022, students attending both private and public schools must have vaccines for measles, mumps, and other communicable diseases unless a doctor exempts them for medical reasons.
Critics say the rule is a violation of the state’s constitutional guarantee to provide an education. They also insist that vaccinations are a parent’s responsibility and not a government’s.
This bill is not about vaccines, argues Connecticut State Senator Rob Sampson (R-Wolcott). “It is about the government power, greatly expanding the role and reach of government into our personal lives…and should make each of us wonder whether we are still free citizens living in anything that even resembles America.”
Author’s Note: Vaccine requirements are a massive violation of Constitutional rights that will open a can of worms for lawsuits when the vaccines injure people.
Sources:
Biden may order mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for US troops
‘A tough call’: Biden considering mandatory Covid vaccines for US troops