Covid cases have continued to spread across America and the world. President Biden has been continuously calling for every American to get vaccinated. Vaccine passports and mandates have been a huge topic of debate.

America has been divided on the issue of vaccines almost from the get-go. The vaccine has almost become a bogeyman in many ways. There is so much false information out there when it comes to the safety of vaccines.

I personally chose to get vaccinated. I felt that it was the right thing to do for myself and my family. However, we all know that everyone is entitled to their opinion. I wanted to get a feel for what some Drury students thought about the vaccine.

One student had this to say when asked about the vaccine,“I won’t be getting the shot because I have already had Covid so I have no problem relying on my natural immunity. And with my risk in my age bracket, I do not feel comfortable getting the shot given its possible side effects, albeit rare.”

The natural immunity issue is one that many people across the nation feel is suitable for them. The student continued on the topic of natural immunity in the interview.

They stated that “I have confidence in my body’s immune system and natural immunity. If I turn out to be wrong, then that is something I can live with.”

There was a consensus that began to become apparent when interviewing the students. Most of them believed that the pressure and in some cases, mandating of the vaccine has made them even less likely to get it.

President Biden recently enacted a vaccine mandate that has affected millions of people around the country. The feelings towards it will differ extremely depending on who you ask.

One Drury student simply stated, “I think it’s simply unfair to force something into someone’s arm that they don’t want. Plain and simple.”

Another student had a similar sentiment, “The mandate makes no sense; if the vaccinated are protected from the virus, why do they need the unvaccinated to get it too? It’s like saying ‘my sunscreen won’t work unless you wear yours too.’ It doesn’t seem logical to me”.

It is understandable in many aspects why such questions are asked. Several people asked the question,”Why do I need to get the shot if the vaccinated are protected?”

I responded with a question for them. I asked them all, “Would it be helpful to get the vaccine if it meant fewer hospital beds would be taken and fewer deaths would result?”

One student had this to say in response, “I think there are plenty of other diseases or choices that could be made that would fit that argument as well. I don’t want to see anybody hospitalized but I also don’t want to see my freedom taken away.”

The vaccine debate is just heating up. Hopefully, Americans can and will find a middle ground soon.

Article by Payton Hannah