I am a parent of a junior in high school in Virginia and I completely disagree with this request for a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The flu kills more children annually than COVID does. Flu vaccines are not required; they are optional. I choose to get the flu shot, and choose to have my child get the flu shot. I would never demand school employees and all the students in the state get the flu shot. COVID-19 vaccinations will never be a one and done vaccination. Similar to the flu, the virus will continue to mutate and we will continue to catch it. Does this parent demand we get a covid shot every year?

Additionally, although a small risk, there is the risk of young teen males developing myocarditis.

There is also natural immunity to consider. Why get the vaccine when already immune? Those who want the vaccine, but want to wait until their natural immunity is no longer robust, should be able to wait.

Getting the vaccination should be a personal choice. Vaccination will protect those who choose to get it, but there is no need to require people to do so.