As more testing goes on, the likeliness of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students increases in California. This mandate will most likely take place next year if the FDA gives approval. Many have mixed feelings on whether or not it could be safe or not. The vaccine so far has proven to be useful in terms of protecting, and preventing the spread of coronavirus.
Though the process of gathering data of effectiveness in children is still being gone through, the mandate would not be released unless the FDA approves its effectiveness. According to the CDC, if the vaccine does show to be effective, the number of hospitalizations in children will go down as will death due to COVID-19. The research remains ongoing and will stay that way until it is confirmed to be safe for younger children.
While many parents may argue that the vaccine could cause potential harm in the future, and that it is not guaranteed to be 100% safe in young children. The vaccine does more good than not getting it. It keeps those vulnerable to death, safe.
For those not vulnerable, it reduces spread to those who are. When it comes to life and death situations what we have is still better than nothing at all. Teens who are left unvaccinated are left with the possibility of hospitalization and even death.
Parents who keep their teens away from the vaccine are making matters worse. Teens are just as vulnerable than any other person whether they are healthy or not. If a mandate were to go through teens would be safer and be able to participate in their normal activities once more.
According to the FDA, Young children would receive a fraction of the dosage of adults. Which evidently minimizes the chance of long term harm to the student. Currently, lab results of children within five through 11 years of age are identical to results of teen vaccine effectiveness. While teens would be receiving the full dosage, the likeliness of staying safe is only higher.
As of Nov. 2, 2021 vaccinations for children ages five through 11 have been accepted for emergency usage. This acceptance will help younger children with a higher chance of being hospitalized stay safe. But it still leaves others without a chance of protection. Death caused by COVID-19 is only increasing, and with younger children not being able to get the vaccine they are left with little to no protection against coronavirus.
It rapidly spreads to their peers which only increases the likelihood of hospitalization and possible death. Evidently, the vaccine would benefit more if they were required to attend school. There are many vaccinations including Diphtheria, Polio, Measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, which are required to attend school.
If the vaccine does get FDA approval what would make the COVID-19 vaccine any different. Compared to any other vaccine they are all made to do the same thing, prevent illness, and death.
So far, it proves to do so while leaving an extremely low chance of long term effects. For this reason, a mandate should be placed into effect as soon as FDA approves the vaccine within younger students.
Once a mandate goes into effect people are able to go back to normal lives. Having less of a chance of getting COVID-19, and spreading it to family and friends.
Also, the vaccine also assists with having lives outside of the classroom as often children and teens want to hang out with their friends, play sports, and other daily activities with large groups of their peers.
