Governor Greg Abbott's executive order regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, GA-40, has caused a great deal of controversy, conversation, and calls for action. The order limits employers' ability to mandate vaccinations in Texas, making it one of several states that have taken such measures. Adherence to this order is enforced with a hefty fine for businesses, with no possibility of imprisonment.

In early 2020, the world was caught off guard by the coronavirus outbreak, resulting in most states locking down. The highly infectious and lethal respiratory disorder necessitated a vaccine's development by scientists and doctors working overtime to revive America and lower the high death rate. As a result of social distancing and wearing masks in public, most of the United States had reopened its streets, businesses, and schools to the public by late 2021.

However, Republican-led states like Texas experienced a lot of negative controversy around the vaccine that was doing more harm than good. People lost their jobs, suffered reputational damage, and even injury for declining to take the vaccine. Some refused for political and religious reasons, placing a large majority of Texans who believe in personal autonomy above all else. Notable doctors like Dr. Marty Makary support their beliefs, stating vaccine refusal is a personal decision and poses no harm as long as it is not an imposed mandate. Executive Order GA-40 is a welcome move for many Texans who believe in making their health decisions without coercion.

Nonetheless, many believe that not mandating vaccines in the workplace will lead to a higher death toll, with those who refuse deemed selfish and irresponsible. UAB Medicine suggested getting vaccinated to protect people around you, particularly those at greater risk. Dr. Micheal Sagg further states that vaccination is the strategy to end the pandemic. It will bring about a return to normalcy in daily life, family events, work, and school without the need for social distancing, masks, and fear.

Many advocates of vaccines claim that vaccine skepticism resulted from misinformation spread online. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognized this by stating that COVID-19 vaccines were made using tested science that poses no substantial risks, with no reported long-term health problems. The CDC also underscores that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any potential consequences. Thus, obtaining a vaccine demonstrates empathy for colleagues and the initiative to curb the virus's spread. Although getting vaccinated remains a personal decision in Texas, the pro-vaccine community urges everyone to take the vaccine in solidarity to defeat the Pandemic.

Executive Order GA-40 of Texas has brought about significant changes that benefit the state's constituents. The First Amendment, which emphasizes the freedom of religion, has been enforced and applied to the unvaccinated since a majority of them do not receive the vaccine due to religious beliefs. Moreover, the Executive Order puts constraints on business owners to prevent discrimination based on vaccination status, regardless of their political or moral convictions.

I believe that the passage of Executive Order GA-40 was a praiseworthy move made by the Legislative Branch. When the COVID-19 vaccine first came out, many individuals in favor and against it disagreed and created conflicts. By issuing this order, I believe that the Texas Government has diminished such tension and enabled people to make their own decisions regarding their bodies without the risk of beading punished.

Despite being vaccinated, I do not believe that forcing individuals to get the vaccine to continue their daily lives is fair. Some people have religious convictions, while others experience severe anxiety around vaccines and may not appreciate the concept of getting vaccinated until more investigations and statistics are made available in the coming years.

As long as those who are unvaccinated understand the implications of their decisions, including continuing to practice social distancing and wearing masks, I believe that Executive Order GA-40 will continue to serve as a valuable and essential legislative tool to combat this pandemic.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html.

Hoffman, C. (2021, December 13). Update on Texas executive order GA-40 (regarding covid-19 vaccine mandates). The National Law Review. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.natlawreview.com/article/update-texas-executive-order-ga-40-regarding-covid-19-vaccine-mandates.

UAB Medicine. (n.d.). Here's why you should get the COVID vaccine - UAB medicine news. Here's Why You Should Get the COVID Vaccine - UAB Medicine News - UAB Medicine. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.uabmedicine.org/-/here-s-why-you-should-get-the-covid-vaccine.

United States, Texas, Governor [Greg Abbott]. Executive Order GA-40: Relating to prohibiting vaccine mandates, subject to legislative action. 11 Oct. 2021. EO-GA-40_prohibiting_vaccine_mandates_legislative_action_IMAGE_10-11-2021.pdf (texas.gov)

U.S News Staff. (2021, August 5). Opinion: Why covid-19 vaccines should be required for all Americans. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.usnews.com/opinion/is-it-time-to-require-covid-19-vaccines/nobody-has-the-right-to-infect-others.