COVID-19, the virus that put the whole world on pause. After a year of virtual learning, campuses are finally starting to open again for in-person schooling. The question is: should students ages 16+ across the U.S. be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Though a majority of young students won’t be able to receive the vaccine just yet, the smaller portion of students who are eligible to receive the vaccine will help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

As of now, three different vaccines have been approved for people ages 16 and older:  Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson’s/Janssen. However, as of April 13th, 2021 the CDC and FDA have put a pause on the use of Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine due to six reports of the formation of rare and severe blood clots. 

Despite the fact, students shouldn’t hesitate to receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Both are mRNA vaccines that are given in two doses with an effectiveness of 94%. If we require all students to go back on campus to get the vaccine, it could help lower the curve of COVID cases and create a safer learning space.

Masks and the six feet precaution are good preventative measures but a vaccine would be amazing. Plus, certain vaccines like the Tdap are already required for students, so what’s the harm in adding the COVID vaccine to the list?