Is It Time for Coronavirus Disease-2019 Vaccine Mandates?

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Henry H Bernstein, Hofstra Northwell; Veronica Valentine McNally, Michigan State University; Walter Orenstein, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2022-02-22
• Publisher: MOSBY-ELSEVIER
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.11.023
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
• Volume: 242
• Start Page: 235
• End Page: 237
• Keywords: IMMUNIZATION; INFLUENZA; CARE PROVIDER RECOMMENDATION; UNITED-STATES; Pediatrics; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Science & Technology
• Research Categories: Law

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues, and we are not yet approaching herd (community) immunity in many parts of the country. The increased transmissibility of the delta (B.1.617.2) variant makes attaining the goal of herd immunity even harder, as it now is the dominant strain. Receipt of 2 doses of an mRNA vaccine appears to be highly protective against serious illness and death from the delta variant, but tens of millions of individuals have not yet received any doses, and millions more have missed their second dose. Unfortunately, increased transmissibility of the delta variant, coupled with pockets of low vaccination rates, has led to many healthcare systems being overwhelmed yet again. Vaccination protects not only the individual, but also the community in important ways. First, by reducing severe illness, vaccination decreases stress on healthcare systems, which can help hospitals avoid exceeding intensive care unit capacity and postponing care that is necessary but not urgent, such as pediatric well visits, cancer screenings, and elective surgeries. Second, vaccination has the potential to reduce transmission and indirectly protect persons who cannot be vaccinated or who may not make a protective immune response after vaccination (eg, immunocompromised). Thus, a decision by an individual to not get a vaccine not only increases the risk that individual will suffer from a vaccine-preventable disease but also increases the risk that other members of the community can be infected, especially those who cannot get vaccinated.