As a medical professional in Virginia, we have been trained to  respect the  patient’s right to refuse or accept a medical intervention. We do not judge or refuse treatment based on those decisions; we support and educate. In addition, there is no “one size fits all” medical treatment. A beneficial treatment for one person may be deadly for another based on allergies, health history or physical condition. It’s just common sense and ethical medical practice. Mandates completely disregard this and recklessly rush forward toward a policy that is harmful to our community medically, ethically and civilly. In addition, recent scientific data from Israel followed by public comments by the CDC director, demonstrate that the vaccine does not prevent illness or transmission, therefore mandates cannot be justified as “protecting your neighbor”. The only benefit is to the individual to reduce symptoms which should be decided by the individual based on personal risk assessment and full informed consent of potential adverse effects of the vaccine. This should NOT be decided by the health department, CDC, educators, politicians or employers. 

Respectfully,

Katrina Holden, RN