# Will vaccinations be required? \[Edited: Will you get a vaccine if legally mandated\] **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 25, 2020, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016 "2020-08-25T22:01:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2020, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/142 "2020-09-07T22:35:28Z")
Just to clarify your position - are all who decline a vaccination, for themselves or for their children, murderers? Or would you restrict your prison time and/or compliance at gun point sentences to those who actively promote anti-vaccine beliefs? ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2020, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/143 "2020-09-08T00:12:07Z")
ok, if you two can give your feud a rest, here’s something from the news (NBC) tonight: > [@running\_coach](#): > > > [@puzzlegal](#): > > > > I’ll be a little anxious about the first vaccine(s) approved no matter who is in office. - > > So will I as the current vaccines in process are being rushed as it is. However, I believe that Biden will allow the science to determine when to deploy while Trump will rush things based on whoever caught his ear last and/or his poll numbers. Not sure if this has been covered yet, but there was a poll on the ‘Mainstream Media’ tonight where 65% of Americans would be suspicious of a vaccine that was announced before the election, and would believe it to be “a treatment that was rushed for political gain.” One comment was “Americans wouldn’t trust a vaccine that was announced by someone running for President.” ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2020, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/144 "2020-09-08T18:19:45Z")
It’s very reasonable to look closely at the results of phase III trials (which compare large numbers of vaccinated people to those getting placebo, to determine efficacy and safety). It’s sensible to require assurances by public health/vaccine experts without an ax to grind, and not to depend on anything Trump says. That’s essentially what Kamala Harris just advised. I’m less impressed with this Biden comment (via Politico): “Why do we think, God willing, when we get a vaccine — that is good, works — why do we think the public is gonna line up to be willing to take the injection?” Joe Biden asked on Wednesday. “We’ve lost so much confidence, the American people, in what’s said [by the Trump administration].” Biden seems to be poisoning the well ahead of time. Be wary, fine. The general public’s holding off on getting a brand new vaccine for a few months would be understandable, depending on what vaccine is approved and what the evidence shows. But condemning or encouraging refusal of a vaccine solely because it was approved during Trump’s presidency is not smart. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2020, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/145 "2020-09-08T18:21:42Z")
Those who actively promote anti-vaccine beliefs are mass murderers of children. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2020, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/146 "2020-09-08T18:28:29Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > But condemning or encouraging refusal of a vaccine solely because it was approved during Trump’s presidency is not smart. Considering that the people who will be certifying the vaccine are Trump toadies, that’s prudent. Trump has already promised a vaccine by Nov. 1st. What do you think is the likelihood it will actually be effective and safe? ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2020, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/147 "2020-09-08T19:33:32Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Considering that the people who will be certifying the vaccine are Trump toadies, that’s prudent. Certainly there will be some political appointees involved, but lots has to happen before it gets to that. It would mean many honorable scientists would need to be in on the fix for it to reach the public. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/148 "2020-09-09T00:36:56Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > Biden seems to be poisoning the well ahead of time. Stating the obvious observation that the well has been poisoned is not poisoning it. Biden has not caused the widespread distrust of our institutions. Biden has not hollowed them out, has not demonstrated a track record of bending allegedly independent agencies to his personal gains and interests, fired those who speak up. Biden is not responsible for the FDA announcing the possible use of a vaccine before phase 3 is complete just coincidentally in time to be news on election eve. Biden is not the cause of that poll result. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/149 "2020-09-09T01:02:11Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > Biden is not the cause of that poll result. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/150 "2020-09-09T01:02:37Z")
There’s no question that Trump’s handling of the pandemic has been markedly deficient and his promotion of coronavirus remedies largely laughable and/or dangerously irresponsible. That doesn’t excuse Biden’s comments helping create an atmosphere where people feel justified in automatically rejecting a coronavirus vaccine because it was announced before the election. Kamala Harris had it right: be wary of a Trump-touted vaccine but listen to what qualified experts have to say. Tempting as it is to many, politicizing vaccination is unacceptable. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/151 "2020-09-09T01:06:43Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > That doesn’t excuse Biden’s comments helping create an atmosphere where people feel justified in automatically rejecting a coronavirus vaccine because it was announced before the election. I didn’t automatically reject the vaccine because it was announced before the election. I considered the source and the wholesale corruption and subjugation of numerous agencies _including_ the FDA. > **[A major coronavirus vaccine trial paused over ‘unexplained illness’](https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/09/08/coronavirus-covid-live-updates-us/)** > > From Memorial Day weekend through the unofficial end of the season Monday, the number of Americans who died of covid-19 shot up from just under 100,000 to more than 186,000. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/152 "2020-09-09T03:57:19Z")
I just erased a response out of respect for the stated rules of this forum to try to steer from the political. Rephrasing let’s agree that trust in the institutions and experts of the FDA, the CDC, heck the Justice Department, is critically important. There are reasons that there is less trust in them as independent bodies with only our best interests in mind. Recognizing what those reasons are is critical to earning back the trust. Biden is 100% correct: that trust no longer exists in the minds of many now and without enough trust a new vaccine program is domed to fail. Pretending that the trust exists when it does not, denying that the problem of distrust exists, failing to identify and rectify the root cause of the problem, will allow the problem to grow. No mandate can make up for a widespread lack of trust. No pat statements of trust them are sufficient. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/153 "2020-09-09T05:10:41Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > Biden seems to be poisoning the well ahead of time. **Moderator Note** Let’s take the political discussion (on both sides) to another thread in P&E. This goes for everyone. Colibri QZ Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/154 "2020-09-09T05:12:58Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Anti-vaxxers murder children, so yes, they can certainly be punished under the law. Forcing vaccinations upon them is a ironic punishment, but prison time would be acceptable. I dont really like capital punishment so the DP is out. > > CA used to have easy “outs” but we stopped. Now you have to have a medical excuse. > [@DSeid](#): > > Just to clarify your position - are all who decline a vaccination, for themselves or for their children, murderers? Or would you restrict your prison time and/or compliance at gun point sentences to those who actively promote anti-vaccine beliefs? > [@DrDeth](#): > > Those who actively promote anti-vaccine beliefs are mass murderers of children. **Moderator Note** Let’s take this discussion to another thread as well, either in GD or the Pit. Colibri QZ Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/155 "2020-09-09T06:04:32Z")
This seems helpful: Nine Pharma CEO’s issue joint pledge that their Covid-19 vaccines will not be rushed at the expense of safety. > **[COVID-19 vaccine makers issue rare safety pledge as fears of political...](https://abcnews.go.com/Business/covid-19-vaccine-makers-issue-rare-safety-pledge/story?id=72875402)** > > A coalition of nine pharmaceutical chief executives issued a joint pledge Tuesday that they will not rush the development of the highly sought-after COVID-19 vaccination. ---
**Author:** ![ThisIsTheEnd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thisistheend/32/4713_2.png) [@ThisIsTheEnd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisIsTheEnd)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/156 "2020-09-09T08:07:49Z")
It’s a little convenient that that pledge came out a few hours before they reported the first problem with one of the vaccines. > **[AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine study put on hold due to suspected adverse...](https://www.statnews.com/2020/09/08/astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-study-put-on-hold-due-to-suspected-adverse-reaction-in-participant-in-the-u-k/)** > > AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine study has been put on hold due to a suspected adverse reaction in participant in the U.K. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 8:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/157 "2020-09-09T08:39:55Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > This seems helpful: > > Nine Pharma CEO’s issue joint pledge that their Covid-19 vaccines will not be rushed at the expense of safety. Yeah, let’s hope Big Pharma’s desire not to be sued is more powerful than Trump’s desire for a photo-op > [@ThisIsTheEnd](#): > > It’s a little convenient that that pledge came out a few hours before they reported the first problem with one of the vaccines. Convenient, or proper? I’m reassured that they called a halt to reassess. At least someone is acting competently. ---
**Author:** ![ThisIsTheEnd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thisistheend/32/4713_2.png) [@ThisIsTheEnd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisIsTheEnd)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 8:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/158 "2020-09-09T08:41:56Z")
Convenient. They knew they were gonna have to do the halt, so they get some extra brownie points out of it by announcing the pledge first. “See, we told you we were serious about it!” ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/159 "2020-09-09T11:19:06Z")
ThIs pledge is akin to a waiter serving and asking which customer had asked for the _clean_ glass. The fact that they have to state explicitly and publicly that they won’t cut corners on safety? Why should that need to said? What would you think if your spouse out of the blue swore they weren’t cheating on you? This is not something that should ever need be said if for no other reason there would an expectation that governmental authorities wouldn’t let them cut corners on safety. ---
**Author:** ![ThisIsTheEnd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thisistheend/32/4713_2.png) [@ThisIsTheEnd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisIsTheEnd)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/160 "2020-09-09T11:26:42Z")
I’m not anti-big pharma or a conspiracy theorist and I’m not reacting specifically to this snag. Part of the reason they needed to come out with that statement is because of Trump. But it’s not just Trump who’s been blowing hopium about a vaccine up people’s asses for months. Some (not all) of the pharmas have been, and Oxford (not a pharma) has been bordering on deserving to get lumped in with the quacks. So part of it is their own fault, they should have said it months ago, not the same day they announce a halt. Part of it is too many media chasing too many quotes from too many people. But the pharmas should show a little restraint. And wait until the distribution shitshow starts. So the gov’t thinks they’re gonna have a vaccine shortly and not a peep about how they’re going to distribute it? Can’t distribute PPE, but you think you’re gonna distribute RNA vaccines with no shelf life? ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016/161 "2020-09-09T14:40:02Z")
Since the OP asks about personal opinions, let’s move this to IMHO. My previous instructions from QZ are rescinded. Colibri QZ Moderator [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-vaccinations-be-required-edited-will-you-get-a-vaccine-if-legally-mandated/919016.md?page=9)