Several Republican governors across the country didn’t hesitate to assure residents that they would not institute statewide COVID-19 vaccine requirements for school and daycare entry after the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted unanimously to include the shot on the childhood immunization schedule.
The ACIP voted 15-0 to recommend that the COVID-19 vaccines be added to the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program.
There wasn’t a single objection over the minuscule risk of COVID to healthy kids. No objection over natural immunity. No objection over adverse events related to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Many states use the schedule as a guideline when crafting vaccination requirements.
It is common knowledge that COVID-19 poses no threat to young healthy children, that mRNA vaccinations against the virus are not effective or safe and that many people have been injured and even died after receiving a COVID vaccine.
Governors of Tennessee, Virginia, Oklahoma, Florida, and Arkansas have already said that their states would not put in place requirements for children to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for school.
Not surprisingly, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was first on the list of Republican Governors to publicly announce they would not comply with the CDC’s mandates.
“I know a lot of parents are concerned about that because if that’s on the immunization schedule, the fear is that schools could potentially mandate your child to get a Covid shot, even if that’s not something that you want to do. So, I just want to let everyone be clear. You know, as long as I’m around and as long as I’m kicking and screaming there will be no Covid shot mandates for your kids. That is your decision,” DeSantis said during a press conference.
“That is your decision to make as a parent,” he added.
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Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (VA-R) also announced that he would not adhere to CDC mandates.
“COVID-19 mandates should be in our rear view mirror,” Youngkin wrote. “The decision to vaccinate a child against COVID-19 is for Virginia parents to make about what’s best for them and their family. We will not adhere to these CDC mandates,” Youngkin said.
“In Virginia, parents matter,” he concluded.
Wyoming’s 33rd Governor, Mark Gordon (WY-R), stated that his stance on the COVID vaccine has not changed and that children are not forced to be vaccinated against COVID in order for them to attend school.
“Since COVID-19 vaccines were first made available, I have always maintained that vaccination for this virus is a personal choice based upon personal circumstances. I opposed efforts by the federal government to mandate this vaccine for healthcare workers and service personnel.”
“Regardless of any recommendations made by the CDC, nothing is changing in Wyoming and kids are not required to receive a COVID vaccine to attend school. I will not mandate COVID vaccines for children and believe COVID-19 vaccination is a personal choice,” Gordon wrote.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox (UT-R) announced that he would not comply with CDC mandates.
“I’ve been asked about COVID-19 vaccine mandates for children today. Let me be clear that this always has been—and always will be—a decision for Utah parents and families, not the state.”
“Utah will not be implementing any CDC mandate of the COVID-19 vaccine for children,” he added.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (OK-R) wrote on his social media, “Regardless of what the CDC says, as long as I am governor, we will never force kids to get a COVID vaccine to go to school.”
Governor of Iowa, Kim Reynolds (IA-R) announced that they had passed legislation to prohibit schools, colleges and daycares from enforcing COVID vaccines.
“The Covid vaccine remains available to those who want it, but it should never be mandated! We passed legislation to prohibit schools, colleges and daycares from doing so.”
“But, once again, the Biden Admin is ignoring the freedoms afforded to the American people and choosing power and control over trust.”
“In Iowa, parents have the right to make decisions about their own children’s health, and I’ll keep fighting to keep it that way,” she added.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (AL-R) declared that it’s up to the parents whether or not to vaccinate their kids.
“Here in Alabama, the parents make decisions when it comes to their children’s health care. We do NOT mandate the covid shot for kids – nor will we ever,” Ivey said.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee (TN-R) also announced that the state of Tennessee will not be impacted by CDC mandates.
“I’ve always said mandates are the wrong approach, & TN has led in pushing back on federal covid vaccine requirements,” Lee wrote.
“Thanks to our work with the General Assembly, TN families won’t be impacted by today’s CDC vote. We’ll continue to stand for TN children & for personal freedom.”
Missouri Governor Mike Parson (MO-R) stated that he would not adhere to CDC mandates to vaccinate kids for school.
“As long as I am Governor of Missouri, I will do everything under my authority to never let the federal government mandate COVID vaccines in our schools.”
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (SD-R) said “she will not allow this government overreach into our families’ personal decisions.”
“And as Governor, I will do everything in my power to fight against this for our kids. My extreme opponent Rep. Jamie Smith supports vax mandates. I will fight back,” she added.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (MT-R) said he would not mandate the COVID vaccine in the state.
“I trust parents to raise their kids and do what’s best for their kids’ health. On my watch, the State of Montana will not mandate the COVID-19 vaccine,” he said.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (SC-R) also stated he would never let the federal government force the COVID vaccine on kids.
“There’s some confusion on the CDC COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Let me clarify. As long as I am governor, I will never let the federal government – or anyone else – force the COVID-19 vaccine on South Carolina school children.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (OH-R) retweeted a post from Ohio Department of Health stating, “The State of Ohio does not mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for school attendance. The ACIP vote does not change Ohio law. The state’s list of required vaccines can only be changed through legislation.”
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson (AR-R) said he would not require COVID vaccines for children.
“In Arkansas, the State will not require COVID vaccines for your child to receive an education. Throughout the pandemic, I encouraged Arkansans to get the vaccine but have never advocated for vaccine mandates, and I intend to continue that fight.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (GA-R) said the state of Georgia would not comply with CDC mandates.
“Working with the General Assembly earlier this year, we ensured Georgia does not and will not have any COVID-19 vaccine mandates. This continues to be the case as we move further beyond the pandemic.”
Idaho Governor Brad Little (ID-R) said he would never mandate the COVID-19 vaccine to all age group in Idaho.
“Let me be clear – I will never mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for Idahoans of any age group, especially children. As long as I am Governor, that decision will be determined solely by parents, families, and individual citizens.”
According to National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) at least 20 states have banned the COVID vaccines from being included in school mandates as of October 3, 2022.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- West Virginia
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