As the possibility of a COVID-19 vaccination nears, there are concerns that the general public may be required to take the vaccination.
To alleviate these fears, Kenai Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce has joined Assemblymen Jesse Bjorkman and Bill Elam to introduce a resolution that categorically opposes the “imposition of any governmental mandate requiring any person to take a vaccine.”
Resolution 2020-78 is listed in the agenda under “unfinished business” for the Nov. 10 borough meeting, which begins at 6 p.m.
The resolution asserts that a “safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is a critical component” of the national strategy to deal with the virus and notes that the national goal is to have enough vaccines for everyone who wishes to be vaccinated. It then notes that many have concerns with vaccines.
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“…there have been concerns about the safety of vaccines for as long as they have been available in the U.S.,” the resolution observes, adding that “many people are concerned that a new vaccine could potentially have serious harmful effects on themselves.”
According to a September Gallup Poll, only 50% of Americans would be willing to take a COVID vaccination.
Forcing citizens to take a vaccine against their wishes “is likely to face significant resistance during an already highly volatile time in history,” the Kenai resolution states. Instead of mandating the vaccine, the resolution proposes “encouraging” people to get vaccinated.
A memo from the sponsors states that a governmental mandate would only create “strong resistance” and create “more divisiveness in our communities.”
If the resolution passes, it will be sent to Gov. Mike Dunleavy and Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink.
Click here for information on how to participate in the upcoming Assembly meeting.
