Mandatory SARS-CoV-2 Vaccinations in K-12 Schools, Colleges/Universities, and Businesses

Authors

Lawrence O. Gostin, Georgetown University - Law Center - O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health LawFollow
Jana Shaw, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Upstate Medical University
Daniel A. Salmon, Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins University - Bloomberg School of Public HealthFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-7-2021

DOI

10.1001/jama.2021.9342

Abstract

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued guidance that fully vaccinated individuals can safely remove masks and end social distancing in most indoor settings. Educational facilities and businesses are faced with whether and how to differentiate between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, including requiring proof of vaccination. Mandatory vaccination has historically served as a tool to reach and sustain high immunization coverage and to prevent transmission in K-12 schools, colleges/universities, and health care facilities. Vaccine mandates could extend to workers and customers in businesses to ensure safer environments. This Viewpoint examines the epidemiologic, public health, and legal considerations for mandatory SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations in each setting.

Publication Citation

The Journal of the American Medical Association, published online June 7, 2021, at E1-E2.

Scholarly Commons Citation

Gostin, Lawrence O.; Shaw, Jana; and Salmon, Daniel A., "Mandatory SARS-CoV-2 Vaccinations in K-12 Schools, Colleges/Universities, and Businesses" (2021). Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works. 2388.
https://scholarship.law.georgetown.edu/facpub/2388