Tiger Events

Individuals control decision to receive or not receive vaccines

3. AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine

4. Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine

5. Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline’s COVID-19 vaccine

It is not a government mandate to get the vaccine, so the option is left to each individual person to choose whether or not they want the vaccine. I wholeheartedly believe it is in our rights as American citizens to make our own decisions when it comes to personal health concerns.

Tatyana Ross Editor-in-Chief vaccine

The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly impacted the way we live today. Since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2019, the FDA has released five different vaccines to help combat the battle of COVID in the U.S.

I am not a supporter of the vaccine because I have witnessed close relatives experience health concerns that were not an issue before receiving the vaccine. I feel like this was due to doctors not viewing prior medical histories to inform patients whether or not this vaccine would be the right choice for them.

This further increased my skepticism of the vaccine as a whole and I developed even more distrust in it.

According to the National Governors

Association, in 2021 there were several states offering different incentives to take the vaccine.

In my home state of Alabama, the Talladega Superspeedway was offering people aged 16 and older who chose to be tested and/or vaccinated the thrill of driving their car or truck on the 2.66mile track. Drivers and their riders could take two laps behind a pace car at highway speed, including the 33-degree-high banks. Another incentive was offered by Alabama Department of Public Health in sponsoring a TikTok Contest for people aged 13-29 who posted a video of themselves getting vaccinated. The four winners were awarded a $250 Visa gift card. Personally, it further raised my concerns of getting the vaccine, validated my thoughts of the vaccine being unnecessary, and caused me to wonder what is in each of the vaccines since there was a need to further entice more people to take it. Due to my concerns about the vaccine, I don’t plan on getting vaccinated at all. Unfortunately, this has proven to be an issue in many ways. There are several jobs that will not allow employees to work if they do not have proof of their vaccination status. I have experienced it first-hand after being offered opportunities where I had to decline because of my stance against receiving the vaccination. However, I don’t think it is fair and I find it discriminatory against people who think differently. I understand there are concerns for some people in the workplace who worry that anti-vaxxers will potentially spread the illness to others but if the government isn’t mandating it, jobs shouldn’t either.

Bloomberg Law review of cases in 2022 reported that there were at least 66 lawsuits against private employers in Sept. 2021 for refusing to grant exemptions, or for providing allegedly insufficient accommodations to employees. I do believe anti-vaxxers should be aware of the risks we maintain but it has not been proven that the vaccine makes much of a difference. According to the CDC, people who are vaccinated can still become sick with COVID because no vaccine is 100 percent effective. I think this shows more than enough evidence for all jobs to get rid of their mandate on the vaccine in the workplace. People shouldn’t feel like their career is on the line because of the pressure to get vaccinated. I believe that is my right to choose what enters and exits my body. My favorite quote is “If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything” by Malcom X and I stand by my decision regardless of how others feel.

The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.

“Do you think the COVID vaccine/boosters should be mandatory? Why or Why not?”

Compiled by: Shakell James

Mikayla Stokes Freshman Biology/Pre- Medicine Chicago, Ill.

“Honestly, no because people got way more sick when they were getting it. I never got it and I’m ok.”

Lauren Miranda Sophomore Social Work Milwaukee, Wis.

“Your chances of getting it are greater. The flu shot isn’t mandatory, so the Covid vaccine shouldn’t be either.”

Lee Payton Senior Graphic Design Jackson, Miss.

“No, because it’s new and we don’t understand the long-term effects. If you get the vaccine and still get it, it’s pointless.”

Armila

Mullen Freshman Sociology Battle Creek, Mich.

“I do think they should be mandatory.It’s being considerate of your family and peers.”

Nichoulous Flouncy Freshman Biology Pre- Medicine Valdosta, Ga.

“Everyone is subject to their own actions, so therefore getting the vaccine shouldn’t mandatory.”

Breanna Webb Senior

Elementary Education Jackson, Miss.

“If it’s not needed, then the vaccine shouldn’t be mandatory.”

Alexis Cook Senior Biology/Pre- Medicine New Orleans, La.

“No, because I know people that got the vaccine and still caught Covid. It’s not 100 percent guaranteed.”

Vee Harrington Junior Elementary Education Charlotte, N.C.

“Yes, because my immune system is weak. You have others around you, so it’s a common courtesy.”

Justin Love Sophomore Political Science Canton, Miss.

“Yes, we just went through a whole pandemic. At one point, you had to get it for school and work, which should be continued.”

Dominic Hines Freshman Journalism & Media Studies Hattiesburg, Miss.

“Yes, but at the same time I’m not judging anyone who doesn’t.

Nahveyah Graham Junior Biology/Pre- Medicine Jackson, Miss.

“I believe vaccines should not be mandatory because we have free will, including our bodies.”