It is laudable to research and develop a Covid-19 vaccination for children. It is NOT laudable to force people to get it. That is an intrusion into their personal health. If parents desire to vaccinate their children, that is great. If they don’t, leave them alone. The Board cannot possibly know all of the ins and outs of a child’s health the same way a parent does, so allow the parent to make the best decision for their child.

The overwhelming majority of children have extremely mild, if any symptoms, and should not be forced to get vaccinated in order to be able to attend public, private, or parochial school. What if a child is allergic to an ingredient in the vaccine(s) or parents feel like they don’t yet know the long-term effects of the vaccine(s)? What if a child reacts to the first dose and isn't allowed to get the second dose? What if there are sincerely-held religious objections to the vaccine? (We don’t make children say the Pledge of Allegiance at school if it goes against their religion...putting something in one’s body, especially a child’s developing body would certainly seem to merit the same kind of respect.) Are you going to deny that child his or her education? What if both parents work and cannot home school the child or be with the child who is forced to “go” to school online? Would your consciences be comfortable with one parent having to quit work—most likely causing severe financial strain on the family--because you mandated a vaccine that child was unable to take?

A mandate doesn’t convince people who are hesitant about getting themselves or their children vaccinated. Instead, it makes them feel disrespected, disparaged, and marginalized. On the other hand, showing the proven science does convince. If the goal is to vaccinate, allow the science to speak for itself and for folks to make the most informed decision for their and their children's personal health.  I am respectfully asking you to NOT mandate a vaccine for anyone—let it be that person’s personal decision for themselves and their children.

Thank you.