The CDC's vaccine advisory committee has voted unanimously in favor of adding COVID-19 shots to the immunization schedule for children. The issue, which drew a 15-0 endorsement, now goes to the CDC which is not required to sign off on the recommendation, although many people expect it will agree. (See earlier story)
Whatever the case may be, groups such as Citizens' Council for Health Freedom and Liberty Counsel say kids don't need COVID shots. CCH Freedom's Twila Brase, a registered nurse, has gone so far as to say this is "a shot that children do not need."
In contrast, supporters of COVID shots say they are safe; and mainstream news outlets including NBC are pointing out that the recommended immunization schedule is NOT a mandate.
"State and local jurisdictions make their own rules about which vaccines are required for school attendance," says NBC News.
However, Holly Meade – vice president of media at Liberty Counsel – says "more than a dozen states" follow the CDC vaccination guidelines for children in order to be in a public school.
"This would be included in that," she adds. "So, those states that don't push back and follow these vaccination guidelines … are forcing children who, number one, have an immune system; and, number two, these shots have been proven not to be safe or effective
Still, this will undoubtedly set up a battle between governors, schools, and parents. Governor Tate Reeves (R-Mississippi) signed a bill in April to make it illegal to require children receive a COVID shot as a condition of attending school. And Governor Ron DeSantis (R-Florida) has again vowed no children's COVID-19 mandate.
"As long as I'm around ... there will be no COVID shot mandates for you kids," said DeSantis. "That's your decision to make as a parent."
The Florida governor pointed out that "most" parents in his state have opted against booster shots for their children – and that his surgeon general does not recommend the injection for children under 18 years of age.
"But it's a free state," he added. "Parents can make the other decision if that's what they want. The important thing is that school districts are not mandating this choice."
10/21/2022 - Comments from Liberty Counsel added.
