Vaccine Mandates Are Nothing New. In Fact, They’re Necessary.

These days, it’s hard to find a country without a vaccine mandate. As variants pop up from different parts of the world, it has become standard to use the mandate as a way to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

But what makes mandates so contested? And if they work, then why are so many people against it?

Health mandates from the government or private companies are few and far between. For the most part, we have had the freedom to make decisions about our bodies. Vaccines and mandates have always been one of the few exceptions. 

Tracing back vaccine mandates

Inoculation has been around for hundreds of years, saving human lives from various illnesses. The process was first discovered in China, where physicians found that inhaling small portions of smallpox could cause natural immunity against the disease. This was way back in the 17th century. As the practice spread to Europe, it became more affordable, refined, and eventually accepted.

To say the least, vaccination has contributed greatly to the improvement of modern life. Infant mortality rates are lower, while life expectancy rates are higher. Jabs do wonders for public health. Coupled with vaccine mandates, and both help communities become stronger and healthier.

Looking back at history, it’s easy to see that vaccine mandates are nothing new. Schools and universities have required vaccination to ensure herd immunity for their students. In fact, according to Lee Hampton from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, mandatory vaccination in the US began in the late 70s. 

But the practice of using jabs in the US to protect against diseases has been for far longer. Troops from George Washington’s army were required to be inoculated against smallpox in 1777. 

Why require the jab?

The vaccine mandate executive order by the Biden admin made mass vaccinations across the US the standard to access public and private places in September 2021. Today, COVID-19 vaccine mandates by states are popping up left and right and receiving mixed reactions.

Mandates and quarantine restrictions are some of the most basic ways to contain viruses. Since the jabs are readily available and proven effective, government bodies have pushed through with the official orders. 

However, the decision of the government to require vaccines has ruffled a lot of feathers. Despite the proven benefits of vaccines, there remains a sizable group that refuses to take the jab (and the disease) seriously. Even health professionals have walked out of their jobs because of the mandate. But Anthony Harris, the CEO of HFit, does not find this surprising. 

There have always been protests against vaccines and mandatory jabs. New formulas are the source of the doubt for many, which explains why it is hard for jabs to be in circulation in the first few years. Aside from that, older vaccines used to contain small amounts of animal products. Religion, beliefs, and self-research also contribute to why some people refuse the jab.

These are just some of the legacies of the anti-vaccine crowd that are still around today.

Are the mandates here to stay?

The changing nature of the virus will likely require more strict rules on jabs. As the world prepares to open up again, schools and workplaces will have to comply with even stricter rules. 

Despite facing lawsuits from the private sector, Harris thinks that the government will keep the mandates in for the long haul. Officials are intent on making the public suit up against the virus to help defend the healthcare industry. As another wave of surges come in, the mandates will prove to be another shield to protect people and countries.

All images from Alamy