Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
Vax Mandates in the Workplace
Do you think public and private workplaces should be able to mandate employee vaccination? Why or why not?
Here’s what you said:
Absolutely, workplaces should mandate vaccination. They will lead the way while government will be tied up in red tape.
Deborah Kommalan, Pasadena
I think eligible people who don't get vaccinated should be fired from their jobs summarily.
Lisa Sasser, Rock Hall
Yes, I believe they should be able to mandate vaccinations. This is a public health issue and those who are not vaccinated are contributing to the spread and the mutation of the virus. Hogan did not go far enough, he should have mandated vaccines for all state employees.
Susan Miller, Bowie
Until the FDA gives the vaccines the finally approval (not the emergency use approval) then I feel it is wrong to try to mandate the vaccine. LAB RATS is what is happening right now. I have had family members that have gotten the vaccine and they now have health issues that they did not have before. TOO much side affects with the vaccine. It hasn't had enough testing done in my opinion.
Sandra Staples, Prince Frederick
Yes, you either agree to help keep all your workmates safe by being vaccinated or find a job somewhere else. Thanks!
Deborah Carta, Odenton
An emphatic YES! Vaccinations should be required. This is NOT a matter of "personal choice;" it is a matter of public health.
Anne Constant, Annapolis
I feel employers should put a mandate in place for public and private work places to protect the employees, the customers and the families of both. While the vaccine doesn't cure, it does lower the severity of the virus if you catch it and it also lowers your transmission rate if you continue to wear a mask and wash you hands/sanitize accordingly and not wear gloves which has been causing a lot of cross contamination
LaTanya Lucas, Severna Park
Absolutely they should be mandated for all. Those who don't wish to be vaccinated should not be allowed in any store or office. This is a public health issue, and it should not be treated as optional. After all, drunk driving is not allowed.
Milly Welsh, Davidsonville
Absolutely. The employees who are not vaccinated are quicker to catch Covid and spread it to the rest of the community, vaccinated or not. GET VACCINATED, please, for the health of others. Quarantining people for two weeks, especially the elderly is more harmful to them than anything.
Jennie Banner, Pasadena
For single individuals, they are completely within their rights to determine whether or not they choose to receive a COVID vaccine. Since most of us do not exist as islands, it's important to perform as a good family member, employee, citizen -- for the good of the majority. I think the "good of the whole" concept has become watered down and there is too much focus on "me". I'm a believer in the greatest good for the greatest number.
Sarah Griffith, Severna Park
Mandates … Covid vaccine … this is a matter of life and possible death . It should be mandatory.
Faith Goldstein, Annapolis
Yes- if you are in a public setting you should wear a mask
Sue Grant, Easton
I don't particularly like employer mandates, but I understand why they would impose them. Safety is paramount. I think if an employee chooses not to be vaccinated, they should wear a mask out of respect for other individuals who believe the shots are a viable solution. Further, depending on the employee environment (type of work in relation to exposure and distancing capabilities) an employer may not need to require masks if not vaccinated.
Elaine Dell, Stevensville
Yes definitely. Both public and private organizations have obligations for the safety of their employees when there is a known danger.
Julie Nelson, Annapolis
