As the parent of a child in a public school in Southwest Virginia and as a taxpayer, could you please explain to me by what authority you have to enact this mandate?  The vaccine that you are requiring has not yet been approved by the FDA.  Additionally, there are no provisions for a religious or medical exemption.  I thought the constitution of the United States of America guaranteed citizens the right to religious freedoms. 

As a parent, I will never abdicate my responsibilities to the government to determine what is in the best interest of my child.  I ask of you, who is in the better position to make a decision such as this?  The parent in consolation with the child’s doctor, or a government official that has no information or knowledge concerning the medical history and religious beliefs of the child?  Apparently, the Commonwealth of Virginia feels the government official, that is ignorant to the unique circumstances of the child, is in a better position to make this decision.  Anyone with common sense should realize that a one-size-fits-all solution creates its own set of problems.    For the reasons stated above I strongly object to the passing of this legislation. 

Also, for the record, I am not an “Anti-Vaxer”.  I have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and so has my child.  That said, my child is older than 12, and it was a decision that was made in consultation with her doctor. 

This is a decision that should be made by the child's parent or legal guardian and not by a politician.