The Hill has published an opinion piece by Merrill Matthews, who is a resident scholar with the Institute for Policy Innovation in Dallas, Texas, describing why the government may make the coronavirus vaccine mandatory.
When a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, I will be one of the first in line. But the fact is U.S. adults tend to have low vaccination rates. If the government determines that vaccinations are essential to stemming the spread of the disease, would it – could it – mandate vaccination compliance? Apparently, it can — and it might.
Many medical experts believe that developing one or more COVID-19 vaccines is the key to reopening the economy and returning to our normal lives. For example, the Mayo Clinic says, “A vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is perhaps the best hope for ending the pandemic.”
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If the COVID-19 vaccination rate is low, will the federal or, more likely, state governments step in and mandate vaccination?
The Congressional Research Service says the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that “The states’ general police power to promote public health and safety encompasses the authority to require mandatory vaccinations.” And states have all exercised that authority for children, usually allowing for some exceptions.
CRS also says, “Congress, as a result of various enumerated powers in the Constitution, likewise has some authority over public health matters, including regulation of vaccination.”
Government mandated vaccinations for adults would be a major and controversial step. But then government has taken a number of major and controversial steps recently, such as shutting down the economy.
You don’t have your freedom anymore.
Any freedom you think you have is just one they haven’t decided to infringe on yet.