Even with the vaccine available, COVID-19 has taken over all of our lives. When the vaccine was authorized for 12 year-olds and up, it finally gave the opportunity for schools to open up again and return to normalcy.
But many may ponder if the vaccine will be mandatory in the future. As we all know, it is important to get vaccinated to protect yourself and others around you. But because it is optional, many have risked their own lives and others’ by not getting vaccinated.
We all want to return to a normal learning environment without any restrictions and masks, but will that ever happen if the vaccine isn’t mandatory?
Since the COVID-19 vaccine is available to the general public and is free at local pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, people have been doing their part in society by getting vaccinated. USAFacts shows that in New Jersey, at least 72% of citizens have received their first dose of the vaccine.
More schools are opening up, but still have strict restrictions like mask mandates and social distancing. Since the vaccine is new, many have their doubts on its effectiveness, side effects and the overall point of getting the vaccine if we are still wearing masks.
To get the word on what people in our community think, we questioned some students in RHS to ask them if they thought vaccination should be mandatory and will be mandatory in the future. An anonymous student stated “Yes, because it’s important” with confidence.
It is safe to say that RHS is a vaccinated community! In the future, vaccination will likely become mandatory, and schools, workplaces and communities around America should then be back to normal.
Kathryn Marionni
Staff Writer
Graphic: Sunny Rhew