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First, Is The COVID-19 Vaccine Safe?

并非所有人都对政府加快疫苗审批的时间表感到满意。根据2021年8月初发布的盖洛普调查，约77%的美国人表示他们已经接种或计划接种疫苗。许多其他人担心，研究人员牺牲了安全预防措施，以更快地开发新冠肺炎疫苗。然而，医学专业人士不一定有这些担忧。

中庭健康莱文儿童医院儿科专家和研究副主席克里斯汀特利博士说，美国食品和药物管理局与专家密切合作，开发了一种有效的疫苗设计——甚至在他们有任何候选人之前。她说，该组织通过加速管理组件节省了时间，但安全协议得到了适当遵守。令我感到鼓舞的是，美国国立卫生研究院(国家卫生研究院)和安东尼福奇博士承诺数据透明，并确保科学严谨性不会受到疫苗监测数据安全监督委员会(DSMB)的影响

oring," adds Dr. Narasimhan.

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Currently, children younger than 5 years old can't receive any vaccine—but that might change soon because Pfizer and Moderna are conducting pediatric testing in kids 6 months and older. Johnson & Johnson has also announced its own pediatric clinical trial plans.

Can the Government Mandate a COVID-19 Vaccine?

In an interview with Newsweek, infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said he doesn't think a vaccine would be mandated for all American citizens. That said, when it comes to public health, the federal, state, and local governments have different regulations and policies. Here's where they stand:

Federal Government and Vaccines

The federal government would have a difficult time mandating a vaccine. Thanks to limitations set forth in the Constitution, public health measures generally fall to the states. Nevertheless the White House could still encourage or recommend that American citizens get the COVID-19 vaccine. It could also implement incentives—for example, citizens can't get a U.S. passport or driver's license without proof of vaccination. 

State Governments and Vaccines

States can require vaccines if it's considered necessary for public health. You can thank a 1905 Supreme Court case called Jacobson v. Massachusetts, which set the precedent by letting Cambridge mandate the smallpox vaccination during an outbreak. Failure to comply resulted in a $5 fine.

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Keep in mind that states can't just mandate any vaccine. It must be recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—and even then, it will likely go through plenty of legal debates with state legislatures or city councils. Given the current political climate, experts also acknowledge that public outcry would probably result from a mandate, and they'll consider whether universal vaccination is worth the unrest.

Local Governments and Vaccines

As long as it's reasonable and in the public interest, cities can also mandate vaccines. Some experts believe this could take place in hot spots, such as big cities. It actually happened during the New York City measles outbreak of 2019, which led to vaccination orders in four zip codes in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Those who refused the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine faced a $1,000 fine.

Indeed, New York City is currently requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination at indoor dining establishments, certain indoor entertainment venues (like stadiums, museums, and concert halls), indoor fitness centers, and more.

Pediatrician gives vaccination to patient Credit: Getty Images

Can School Districts Mandate Vaccines?

In September, California became the first state to announce plans to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for students in public and private schools. The timeline depends on the vaccines receiving full approval from the FDA; Pfizer currently is fully approved for those 16 and up, while those ages 5 to 15 can get vaccinated under emergency use authorization.

California governor Gavin Newsom said the vaccine mandate for students will happen in two phases. First will be students in seventh through 12th grades, according to The New York Times. Mandates for those in kindergarten through sixth grades would likely come after that. Of course, as with other state-required vaccines, exemptions will be allowed for religious, personal, and medical reasons.

In August, California mandated vaccinations for teachers in public and private schools, kindergarten through 12th grade. Without vaccinations, teachers will face weekly testing.

New York City is also mandating vaccination for every one of its 148,000 Department of Education employees; this includes teachers, principals, and other school staff. Unlike in California, weekly testing isn't an option. The New York Times said that employees needed to have at least one dose by September 27.

According to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., vaccination mandates for students could happen at the state and local level, once the vaccines are approved for pediatric use by the FDA. Schools already mandate certain vaccines—such as polio, DTap (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), MMR (measles, rumps, and rubella), varicella (chickenpox), and hepatitis B—and there's nothing to say they can't also mandate the COVID-19 vaccine.

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When making the decision, experts will weigh the pros and the cons, deciding if the benefits of vaccination outweigh any potential risks. They'll also consider the following information: COVID-19 generally presents with mild symptoms in children, although severe cases and deaths have rarely been reported. However, school-bound children could spread the virus to parents, grandparents, and others with underlying health conditions. Vaccinating children could eliminate one major source of coronavirus spread, possibly increasing the effectiveness of herd immunity, notes Dr. Turley.

Can Employers Regulate Vaccines?

Listen up, moms and dads: Employers have the power to mandate vaccinations for their employees, and they could technically fire anyone who doesn't follow protocol. Many companies across the nation have already implemented these mandates for their workers.

Of course, certain companies (such as healthcare facilities and nursing homes) are more likely to implement regulations. Employers must also consider religious exemptions under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as medical exemptions under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Can Businesses Mandate Vaccines?

Can your family's favorite store, restaurant, salon, or event venue require vaccinations? As it turns out, the answer is yes. Even without a statewide or local vaccine mandate, businesses are allowed to set their own policies—just like they can turn away shirtless or shoeless customers. Business owners simply can't discriminate based on cultural, religious, or other reasons.

• By Nicole Harris