On Wednesday Oct 6, the Los Angeles City Council approved a COVID-19 vaccine mandate that will require proof of vaccination at most public places beginning on Nov 6. The cities of New York and San Francisco were the first to incorporate vaccine mandates earlier this year.

Mandate Backlash

This decision has been met with backlash from those who do not want to be vaccinated. This has been an issue since the vaccinations were first announced. Many individuals were more than willing to get their shots as soon as they became available. Many others however, were hesitant to be injected with a vaccine that was developed so quickly.

This is a tough situation we have found ourselves in. Not only because of the dangerous disease that is constantly threatening our lives, but also because of our inability to reach common ground. The fact that society has been divided over this is unfortunate.

Now, you can chalk it up as ignorance, but I really hoped society would come together and help each other prevent more losses from COVID-19. Instead, the opposite effect has happened. Society has turned on one another because of different viewpoints. This is unfortunate because the vaccines are supposed to be good. They’re supposed to help prevent the contraction and transmission of COVID-19.

One could argue that the vaccines are bad for us and that we should just rely on our natural immunity. The thing about that though, is that everyone’s immune system is different. Just because one person may have a strong immune system doesn’t mean everybody does. The number of deaths from COVID-19 are a strong representation of that.

Understanding Both Sides

As someone who is fully vaccinated, I agree with the city’s decision to enforce vaccine mandates. I believe it is a good thing to demand proof of vaccination at establishments that allow hundreds, even thousands of people to occupy their space. To me, that is the best way to ensure the maximum amount of safety for everyone.

In contrast, it’s hard not to think about the negative aspects of forcing people to do something they are not comfortable doing. While it is important to get vaccinated, I can’t help but sympathize with those who feel they are being treated unfairly.

Getting vaccinated is of the utmost importance in defeating COVID-19. Still, it’s not right to tell someone what to do with their own body. All one can do is hope that enough individuals choose to get vaccinated on their own.

A Frightening Possibility

The scariest aspect of the vaccine mandates is the chance of riots breaking out as a result. I feel like this possibility is what makes the mandates bad. It’s a scary thought, but one that needs to be addressed. The idea of people fighting against the very thing that might help us beat the pandemic is strange to me. But it’s an idea that I cannot count out because of all the pushback I have seen.

Positive Outlook

Ultimately, I understand why many are concerned, and I can sympathize with not wanting to do something against my will. However, I believe that the vaccine mandates are a good thing. I believe they are going to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and help us return to the normalcy we all remember and miss dearly.

Although many will disagree, vaccine mandates should continue to be put in place throughout the entirety of the United States and beyond. COVID-19 is a bad thing that must be abolished; and I’m hopeful that many will agree. If enough people in society band together, COVID-19 will become a thing of the past, and we will finally be able to wake up from the nightmare that has been haunting us for far too long.