LA County Faces Widespread Opposition Over Proposed COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors faced significant public backlash in August 2021 over proposed directives that would mandate COVID-19 vaccination for county employees and require proof of vaccination for entry into indoor public spaces. The proposals, identified as agenda items S-1, 21, 73A, and 73B, drew an overwhelming volume of public comments, predominantly expressing strong opposition.

Prominent voices, including journalist Nick Gillespie, captured the public sentiment with a succinct tweet stating, "This is insanity." This tweet, linking to the public comment section, highlighted the intense reaction to the measures.

Public comments submitted to the Board of Supervisors revealed deep concerns regarding personal liberties and the nature of the vaccines. Many citizens and county employees cited the Nuremberg Code, arguing that mandatory vaccination for an Emergency Use Authorized (EUA) product constitutes unethical human experimentation and violates the right to informed consent. Commenters emphasized the principle of "my body, my choice," asserting that medical decisions should remain individual and private.

Arguments against the mandates frequently pointed to the experimental status of the vaccines, noting the lack of long-term studies and the absence of full FDA approval at the time. Concerns were also raised about potential adverse side effects, with some individuals sharing personal anecdotes of severe reactions or even deaths among vaccinated individuals. The efficacy of the vaccines in preventing transmission, particularly with emerging variants like Delta, was questioned, with many citing that vaccinated individuals could still contract and spread the virus.

Furthermore, a significant portion of the opposition highlighted the concept of natural immunity, arguing that individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 possessed robust antibodies and should not be compelled to receive a vaccine. Critics also warned of the discriminatory impact of such policies, particularly on minority communities and those with religious or medical exemptions, and expressed fears of job losses and the creation of a "two-tier" society. Many stressed that forcing vaccination could lead to a mass exodus of essential county workers, exacerbating existing staffing shortages.

The sheer volume of negative feedback, often overwhelming the county's online comment system, underscored the widespread public dissent against the proposed mandates, reflecting a contentious debate over public health measures and individual freedoms.