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Proof of immunization against a wide variety of infectious diseases have been around and have remained a requirement to attend many schools and universities across the country.

BY JEANPIERRE AGUIRRE

As COVID-19 vaccines continue to be administered, California Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to reopen schools and colleges statewide.

However, schools are debating whether or not to mandate proof of vaccination to allow students back onto campus. The issue here is that many are against mandating vaccines as it can cause legal trouble.

There is a misunderstanding when it comes to schools requiring proof of immunization. It will not be violating an individual’s freedoms as everyone has the right to receive or refuse the vaccine.

Instead, schools will be requiring proof of immunization to return to campus for in-person/hybrid instruction. If students are eligible to receive that vaccination, they are highly urged to receive both doses.

There are some exceptions when it comes to health and safety concerns where a student can be exempt from receiving the vaccine. If an individual wishes not to receive the vaccination but is eligible to do so, they will continue their educational pursuits remotely and safely at home.

About 87.5% of campuses nationwide require some sort of proof for the MMR vaccine which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

This is no different than requiring proof of immunization for COVID-19.

UCSB has announced requiring vaccinations for the safety of everyone.

UCR is allowing a commencement ceremony for the graduating class of 2020 and 2021. This will come with a few requirements: proof of both vaccine doses, and/or a negative COVID test prior to two days of the ceremony. This allows for students and faculty to celebrate one of their most anticipated events which can be fulfilled if everyone who is eligible receives the vaccine.

Pierce College should follow their similar steps. Luckily, students and faculty are highly in support of mandating vaccinations as it will ensure a safe and less infectious area for classes to return to normal. Ultimately, proof of vaccination is a must and schools are likely to mandate it as a large step forward to returning back to normal instruction.

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BY DOMINIQUE DUNGO

COVID-19 vaccines became available for medical professionals and elderly citizens early December and eligibility now has expanded for everyone 16 and older.

Many who have had enough of staying home and worrying for their loved ones being affected by the virus have been rushing to get vaccinated as soon as they can, but with the vaccine being suspiciously ready quickly, it has some students and citizens skeptical.

According to an article published by AP News, 15% of Americans are certain they won’t get vaccinated and 17% say probably not. Many expressed doubts about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.

The country has surpassed 440,000 deaths from COVID-19 and is facing the challenge of new variants of the virus.

Rushing to re-open schools and the nation assures that there are still chances of people catching the virus and passing it onto their loved ones, friends and workers that don’t have the ability to work from home who are forced to be around people.

With colleges and universities making a switch to online classes, Pierce should provide students options if they can’t take the vaccine because of medical, religious or philosophical beliefs.

Pierce should not mandate the vaccine for students as there are reasons some will not be able to take it because of allergies, respiratory issues or other health issues they cannot control.

Courses that have switched to online classes give the ability and safety for students to complete their subjects comfortably at home without the anxiety and worry of being forced to go back to campus without a choice.

Some people are worried that the vaccine was made too fast and that reason is enough to let students have the right to proceed taking online classes and give that option to have the classes they need still available online once campus chooses to reopen.

According to an article published by Huffpost News, a morning consult survey conducted in the first week of January found that 23% of health care workers said they would never accept the vaccine.

Students should not be forced to take the COVID-19 vaccine and go back to campus without providing them alternate options.