Religious Reasons Preventing Children From Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine.

Authored by Dillon Dimperio

As we all know Covid-19 vaccines have been administered nation wide, and an increasingly large amount of individuals are being given the opportunity to receive the vaccine. But at the same time there is a large amount of individuals that refuse to receive the vaccine, whether it be due to personal beliefs, fear, religion, or even conspiracy theories; it is obvious that there is a large amount that do not want this vaccine. However, throughout this post we will explore the religious reasons as to why they are against the vaccine. 

Conflict

Before we get into the specific reasons religions would protest getting the vaccine, I want to take a look at the up and coming conflict groups are soon to face. "We are absolutely certain they will attempt to mandate the Covid-19 vaccine in the future once it becomes approved for use in children." (Carlesso). This means that in the near future it will be mandatory to have the vaccine and most likely the vaccine card they hand out to attend events. In terms for children this means that to be able to attend school in person they will have to have the vaccine. The question is: how will affect those that claim religious exemption? In years past they have allowed children still attend school even if they did not have the required vaccines most receive, if they claimed it was due to religious reasons. However, Covid-19 is not like every other disease. It is arguably one of the most contagious and hard hitting diseases we have seen in recent years. Therefore will claiming religious beliefs be enough to exempt children from getting the vaccine? Especially when it could put the vast majority of children in schools at risk. "A contentious bill that would end Connecticut's long-standing religious exemption from immunization requirements for schools, beginning with the 2022 school year, now awaits action in the senate." (Haigh). If this bill passes, it will raise the question if it will become a country wide mandate.

Religious Reasons

The most common reasons that religious groups use to become exempt of various vaccines are: "they rely on faith healing, ... and believes in healing through prayer and believe vaccines are not necessary." (Iannelli). Obviously you have to respect their beliefs and their right to practice whatever religion they want. But regardless of personal opinion as to if prayer works, etc. you have to wonder if there personal beliefs outweigh the possible danger that could be created if they end up spreading Covid by attending mass, and prayer. "...for many the root cause of their unwillingness to be vaccinated relates to concerns over vaccine safety that drives them to avoid vaccines." (Iannelli). This is an interesting point as now you have to consider if their religious reasoning is genuine or if it is due to their fear or uncertainty of the effects of the vaccine.  

The Future

Taking into account all that was said above, you have to wonder what will be the final outcome; especially since the main defense is that by requiring the vaccine it could be considered to violate their 1st amendment rights to freedom of religion. This is something that cannot be taken lightly, but you also must consider if the overall safety of the entirety of the United States outweighs individuals rights to certain aspects of their freedom of religion. Overall I believe that if we continue on this trajectory and continue to educate than those that are fearful would be more willing to receive the vaccine. I also believe that certain religious groups may accept the vaccine regardless of belief if they see that it is for the overall good, but I also believe that we will not be fully in person especially for schools, due to the select few that refuse the vaccine, and in that case the future will look like a hybrid of in person and video (facetime) classes.

Overall, this is a confusing time to live in and it will be interesting to see if the need to vaccinate everyone will outweigh the religious rights of individuals, especially when it comes to children. 

Sources:

Carlesso, Jenna, et al. “Lawmakers Are Preparing for Another Push to Eliminate CT's Religious Exemption from Vaccines. The COVID-19 Shot Is Complicating That.” The CT Mirror, 15 Dec. 2020, ctmirror.org/2020/12/15/lawmakers-are-preparing-for-another-push-to-eliminate-cts-religious-exemption-from-vaccines-the-covid-19-shot-is-complicating-that/.

Haigh, Susan. “Bill Ending Religious Vaccine Exemption Now Heads to Senate.” AP NEWS, Associated Press, 20 Apr. 2021, apnews.com/article/health-education-bills-religion-effb3142e275f9f7616b99d7babcceab.

Iannelli, Vincent. “Religious Exemptions to Vaccines and Outbreaks in Communities.” Verywell Family, 9 Dec. 2020, www.verywellfamily.com/religious-exemptions-to-vaccines-2633702.