Should COVID-19 Vaccines Be Mandatory for Kids to Attend School?

The debate over whether COVID-19 vaccines should be mandatory for children to attend school has gained significant traction. While some argue that vaccines are a matter of personal choice, others advocate for mandatory vaccinations as a public health necessity. This article explores the arguments on both sides and questions whether vaccines should be required for school attendance.

Historical Context: Mandatory Vaccinations Have Always Existed

Mandatory vaccinations are not a novel concept. As early as the 1960s, vaccination requirements were in place, and despite these mandates, many families found ways to avoid them. For instance, they could claim exemptions by stating that their children would receive the vaccine from a private doctor rather than at the school. Or they could claim religious exemptions. Even during the recent pandemic, forcing vaccination led to many refusing the vaccine because of misinformation and conspiracy theories.

Example: Trying to Check In a Dog Without Vaccination Paperwork

I propose a minor experiment: try to get your pet or a borrowed pet from a friend into a boarding facility without showing the required vaccinations. Most commercial pet boarding businesses will refuse to accept unvaccinated pets. The reason? They have seen firsthand what happens when herd immunity is compromised. Unvaccinated pets can introduce diseases that spread rapidly, leading to illness and often death among other animals. This is true for pets that individuals love and care for deeply.

The Case for Mandatory Vaccination: Protecting Public Health and Herd Immunity

Mandatory vaccinations for children entering schools are a key measure to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Diseases like measles, which killed over 209,000 people worldwide in 2019 alone, can be easily contained through widespread vaccination. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine, which is widely available and safe, has proven to be an effective means to protect public health.

Some states have even begun to remove religious exemptions for vaccinations, arguing that an individual's right to avoid vaccines because of a personal belief should not outweigh the collective right of children to attend school without the risk of severe illness or death. It is important to note that no major religion prohibits vaccination. Beliefs that vaccines are harmful or unnecessary often stem from misinformation and unproven claims.

Personal Experiences and Perspectives

Those who have lived through multiple epidemics, including the current COVID-19 pandemic, can attest to the necessity of vaccination. In the early 1960s, the author had to get vaccinated before attending school, and this practice has continued since then. The personal experience of dealing with multiple outbreaks supports the argument for mandatory vaccinations to protect not only individual health but also the broader community.

Example: Mandatory Vaccination During Multiple Epidemics

The author has lived through three major epidemics, including the current so-called “scamdemic” of COVID-19. The importance of vaccinations and herd immunity is not a new concept. For decades, vaccination has been a standard requirement for accessing public services and attending schools, with the primary goal of protecting public health and preventing outbreaks.

Conclusion: Balancing Individual Rights with Public Health

The decision to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for children to attend school involves balancing individual rights with public health needs. While it is important to recognize and respect individual choices, the potential for widespread harm from highly contagious diseases demands a collective approach to public health. Mandatory vaccinations help maintain herd immunity, reduce the spread of infectious diseases, and protect vulnerable populations, such as young children and those with compromised immune systems.