Viability of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates Remains Unclear

While many Americans are getting vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, a significant percentage (about 30%) state they will decline it for a variety of reasons. Whether private employers, travel operators, and other entities can mandate vaccination remains unclear. The main hurdle to mandated vaccination is the fact that none of the available COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson) have full approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration; each has received Emergency Use Authorization from the agency. While the ability of states to issue vaccine mandates has a long precedent (think immunizations required for children to attend public schools), whether the federal government holds such authority has not been established. Additionally, private employers in some states are allowed to require vaccinations, such as for influenza, but mandates instituted for COVID-19 vaccinations may bring legal challenges. Click here to read more.