The Constitutional Validity of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates in the United States

Emails, messages, and articles have been flooding major news outlets and social media, proclaiming the constitutionality of mandating a COVD-19 vaccine in America. As a seasoned SEOer with expertise in content writing, I put forward my counterargument below.

The Right to Due Process

Constitutional law in the U.S. declares, 'No person shall be deprived of any liberty without a due process of law.' Thus, to forcibly vaccinate an individual goes against this fundamental right. Preventive measures do not necessitate a court verdict; hence, compelling someone to get vaccinated without proof of wrongdoing is unjust.

Vaccine Mandate: A Flawed Premise

I will forever be vocal about my apprehension and utter disgust with the COVID vaccine mandate. If the vaccine had proven to be an effective shield against the virus, I could concede to some semblance of rationale. However, vaccines do not function that way. My personal stance against mandates is rooted in the belief that unvaccinated individuals pose no direct threat to the vaccinated population. If a vaccine were truly effective, it would mitigate the issue entirely.

Obesity and COVID-19: The Hidden Risk

The relationship between obesity and COVID-19 is concerning. According to multiple peer-reviewed studies, such as the ones cited (PMID: 32783686, PMID: 33002478, PMID: 33920604), obesity is a significant factor in the risk of death from COVID-19. It exacerbates hospitalization, ICU admission, and the need for mechanical ventilation. The data clearly show that obesity plays a major role in poor outcomes and should arguably lead to a different mandate focusing on lifestyle changes and wellness.

Constitutional Rights in Question

Within the U.S. Constitution, there are three protected and distinct rights concerning the right to travel:

the right to enter one state and leave another the right to be treated as a welcomed visitor rather than a hostile stranger the right to be treated equally to native-born citizens

These fundamental rights have been overlooked with the introduction of vaccine mandates. Physicians and clinicians who opposed the mandates faced socio-economic reprisals, often dubbed 'cancel culture.' Those who supported the mandates are often politically-aligned or scared to stand up for what they believe is right. I, with a Master’s in Exercise Science, have the expertise to critically evaluate studies and understand the implications of mandates. Without substantial evidence backing them, such mandates are unjustifiable.

Am I Being Racist or Ignorant?

Some may argue that I am being apprehensive or misguided, comparing the mandate to mere 'exercise science.' I firmly believe that an M.S. in Exercise Science demands a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and thermodynamics, just as much as any other scientific discipline. Studies are designed, conducted, and recorded according to rigorous standards. Mandates lacking documented evidence are unjustified and unscientific.

Conclusion

Yes, vaccine mandates are not inherently unconstitutional. Many mandates aimed at public health are put in place to ensure the well-being of the population. However, the introduction of vaccine passports and visible markings of the unvaccinated have undoubtedly veered into unconstitutional territory. As a society, we must uphold our constitutional rights and not let them be compromised in the name of pandemic control.

References

PMID: 32783686 - Obesity plays a profound role in risk for death from COVID-19, particularly in male patients and younger populations. PMID: 33002478 - Obesity increases risk for hospitalization, ICU admission, IMV requirement, and death among patients with COVID-19. Excessive visceral adiposity is associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes. PMID: 33920604 - Being obese increases the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and complications via several mechanisms, enhancing viral entry and immune response impairment.