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* Should Gov. Pritzker follow President Biden’s lead and mandate vaccinations without a testing opt-out for all state employees? (With the usual exemption for bona fide health and religious reasons.) Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:20 pm
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Yes. Either be vaccinated or be terminated. Despite what the unions may object.
Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:23 pm
Voted yes. Or provide monthly proof of antibodies.
Comment by Blue Dog Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:23 pm
I voted yes because it is the right thing to do.
Comment by G'Kar Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:24 pm
Yes, enough of the coddling. Suck it up and get the stick. Why wait until you get it and suffer the consequences?
Comment by Chito Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:25 pm
A mandate with an opt-out is no mandate. Obviously he should do the right thing and I’m very disappointed he’s yet to do so. The pandemic is controllable if all of these new pro-choicers face actual consequences for their decisions.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:26 pm
We’ve got to stop screwing around. The willfully unvaccinated are killing our recovery and our way of life. Just get the damned shot already.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:26 pm
Get the shot, be a patriot.
Comment by Siualum Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:26 pm
Yes, if he has the statutory ability to enforce it. I’ve heard some people claim, though, that this is prohibited by Health Care Right of Conscience Act (745 ILCS 70).
Other than that, I don’t see why this shouldn’t be a requirement. We require routine vaccinations for kids to attend school, so why should state employees be treated any differently?
Comment by Nick Nombre Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:27 pm
Voted yes, but like Blue Dog I would be fine with proof of antibodies monthly for those who have previously had it and would like to hold off on getting the vaccine until those start to fade away.
Comment by Seats Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:27 pm
I voted yes. Billions of doses have been administered worldwide. It’s amazingly safe and effective. It’s time to stop catering to the vocal minority and right this ship. My kids lives could depend on it. I also think every hospital should mandate them as well. Daycares should also require their workers and any parents or eligible children to be vaccinated or they lose their spot.
Comment by IT Data Guy Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:29 pm
Yes. 97% of patients that end up in the hospital are unvaccinated. It puts enormous strain on our health care workers and, as we’ve seen in other states, can jeopardize treatment for non-Covid patients.
Joe Biden spoke for a lot of us yesterday when he said he’s out of patience. We’re past the point of negotiating or compromising on these issues.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:29 pm
We have to stop the spread before a new mutation emerges that is deadlier and vaccine resistant.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:34 pm
That was a Yes vote btw.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:34 pm
Voted yes because if he allows workers to continue working unvaccinated, he’s putting people under his care at a risk that is not required. The people that work for the State have a choice to work for the State, the people receiving care from the State often don’t have the physical or mental abilities to find a new place to go.
That being said, Biden or Congress should show leadership and just put in a national mandate with no exceptions outside of medical for the entire population of the Country. People have the right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness and right now that right is being diminished because of idiots who think they can outsmart a virus.
Comment by AD Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:35 pm
Voted yes, because we should not be negotiating over public health matters such as this. The people opposed to a mandate such as this will always find a new way to move the goalposts during negotiating it.
Comment by Fixer Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:35 pm
YES. Even state employees want this. I was surprised when AFSCME took a position - not sure who they asked, but it wasn’t anyone I work with.
Comment by politix Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:36 pm
State worker here; I voted yes. State workers are public servants and should get vaccinated
Comment by Mamacita Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:36 pm
There may be a delay of a week or two, but I fully expect this to happen, especially if cases do not begin to decline. It makes sense on many, many levels. It recognizes the impact of the virus on hospitals, businesses, education, etc, and that folks are dragging this out by not getting vaccinated. We have traffic laws, construction standards, and even requirements for wearing clothes…all of which set minimum standards to protect everyone’s health and safety. It is one of the primary functions of government.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:36 pm
Voted YES
If AFSCME won’t protect its own members, then the governor should… or they can move on and leave their job.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:37 pm
Yes. Same reasons so eloquently laid out by others on the need to stop the pandemic.
Comment by Norseman Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:38 pm
Voted Yes, because health and safety demand it and because negotiating with a virus or its supporters doesn’t really work.
Comment by AC Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:40 pm
Yes, just as the public pays their salaries, they are responsible for protecting the health of that same public. Those that don’t like it are free to pursue employment elsewhere.
Comment by Give Me A Break Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:41 pm
Yes. It’s the right thing to do for mankind.
Comment by Infrequent Commenter Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:41 pm
Lead. By. Example.
Sooner or later, someone will ask for the vaccination rate of IDPH employees, and you are gonna be ridiculed if you have not mandated vaccines at that point.
Also, extend it to state contractors, you will be doing them a favor.
Comment by Thomas Paine Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:44 pm
Yes. Quit coddling the flat earthers. They’re killing people.
Comment by Anyone Remember Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:46 pm
Yes. Getting more people vaccinated is good for everyone, and while I understand Pritzker doesn;t want to stick his neck out to far on this, Biden’s order gives him political cover. The time for this mandate is now.
Comment by Benjamin Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:46 pm
Voted yes. Doesn’t anyone who voted no want to explain why?
Comment by bkhartbnjo Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:46 pm
I voted yes.
===exemption for bona fide health===
With this caveat I think people might actually need to recognize what a small number of things that would be, how few people would be included, and that a physician will need to sign off on it.
Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:48 pm
Yes. Our school district is giving the weekly testing option for staff. Everyone should get the vaccine, there aren’t any justifiable excuses left.
Comment by Wensicia Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:48 pm
What exactly is considered a valid religious exemption?
Comment by SuburbanRepublican Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:49 pm
Yes, I think everyone should get vaccinated. And yes, both of us are vaccinated.
But, legally, I’m not sure the Governor (or the President) has the actual authority to dictate it for the vaccines that only have Emergency Use Approval from the FDA.
I just checked again; only the Pfizer vaccine has full FDA approval. The Moderna vaccine, although possibly the best of the ones in use in the US, still only has EUA status, and is pending full approval. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is also still EUA, and they haven’t yet applied for full approval. Plus there is still the issue there is no, or limited, EUA approval for teens and children.
If the vaccines were all fully FDA approved, there are legal precedents they could be mandated. It’s not clear about vaccines in EUA status pending full approval.
Comment by RNUG Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:50 pm
===What exactly is considered a valid religious exemption?===
Catholics are not going to find such an exemption easy
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:52 pm
===Yes, I think everyone should get vaccinated.===
That’s not what the QOTD is asking, and judging by the rest of your comment, you voted no.
I think the Governor (and the President) as employers have plenty of latitude to dictate vaccines for public employees. If you want to restrict that to Pfizer, I’d be fine with that too.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:54 pm
Voted yes. As far as I’m concerned, make it a national mandate for everyone except the medically fragile.
Do you guys remember the spirit of 9/12/2001? Roll up your sleeve and take one for the home team. Let’s beat this thing.
Comment by sulla Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:56 pm
=== I just checked again; only the Pfizer vaccine has full FDA approval. ===
Then I guess they should mandate the Pfizer vaccine until the others are approved. This isn’t hard.
Comment by IT Data Guy Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:59 pm
The science shows that it is masking, social distancing and vaccines together that can mitigate the impact of the pandemic and making it a term of condition of employment seems to be a reasonable move to protect the health and safety of it’s staff, the public and the people under public care.
Comment by Anon Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:02 pm
Voted yes, I come to work everyday as required. I was not given the luxury of working from home. The mandate should apply to all state workers.
Comment by Annon Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:03 pm
Yes, the State owes it to the citizens who rely on state services. I think employers whether gov’t or private are well within their right to mandate an approved vaccine, with religious and medical exceptions, and should do so. The Gov should issue it and make it as strict as legally possible despite any objections from AFSCME.
Comment by Mason born Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:07 pm
=But, legally, I’m not sure the Governor (or the President) has the actual authority to dictate it=
Didn’t we kind of go down this road with the Governor’s emergency EOs? And ultimately the courts supported the action. I think that illustration is important because it underscores that in a pandemic decisive action is necessary. I have no doubt that there will be legal challenges to Biden’s order and any order that Pritzker may issue. Heck we’ve had judges crying about their right to fish. But we have to prioritize the health and safety of our citizens first and foremost.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:09 pm
Voted yes. But plan it and make sure that tests are available in ample supply and locations. Not everyone can handle the testing on their own.
=that this is prohibited by Health Care Right of Conscience Act (745 ILCS 70).=
Our attorney says otherwise and that this act does not apply to the pandemic situation.
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:09 pm
My vote is Yes. The Governor has lead the State of Illinois standing strong against the naysayers and making the tough decisions. This is another one of those tough decisions that he’s going hear about from the naysayers. He has chosen life over politics this far let’s keep it going.
Comment by Club J Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:10 pm
To clarify my last comment- tests for those with an approved exemption (mainly medical).
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:11 pm
Yes. Mandates are the only way some people will do the right thing that comes naturally to those who were responsible and got the shot.
Comment by Me2 Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:12 pm
@- SuburbanRepublican - Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 1:49 pm:
===What exactly is considered a valid religious exemption?===
One group I recall had a church down the street from my church. They had their lettering on their building “First Church of Christ, Scientist”. I was told they don’t allow any medical treatments at all. They would probably be exempt for religious reasons, however they should be tested every week, and mask 100% of their time at work.
Comment by DuPage Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:13 pm
Voted Yes…because it’s our only hope.
Comment by Dotnonymous Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:13 pm
I’m perfectly happy with an opt-out clause with regular testing, but I would make it every day.
Comment by Just Me 2 Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:17 pm
Yes. It’s past time. We have to use every tool in our tool belt to get as many people vaccinated as possible. Asking nicely hasn’t been working for a long time.
Comment by wildcat12 Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:22 pm
If Pritzker does a mandate, and the last resort is him vs. the union, many vaccinated workers would support the governor (their views align with him). I would support the governor. We’re tired of this pandemic.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:23 pm
Voted yes for reasons stated by other commenters above - honestly, controlling a pandemic isn’t rocket science.
The world won’t ever return to “normal” at the rate we’re going now, but vaccines - masking - social distancing are the most effective means of returning to at least some semblance of normal over the next year.
Comment by dbk Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:25 pm
= What exactly is considered a valid religious exemption? =
I’m not sure that that has ever been tested.
People keep citing Christian Science and Seventh Day Adventism, yet neither of those denominations, by doctrine, object to vaccinations, but leave the decision to the individual consciences of their members. Indeed, both have said that public health matters.
Comment by JoanP Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:26 pm
I voted yes. This isn’t negotiable. Pfizer has been cleared by the FDA. Polio and the MMR viruses have all but disappeared with vaccines.
Comment by In_The_Middle Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:26 pm
I voted no but would mandate twice weekly testing and mandatory mask wearing. Even if there is not a mask order in effect for the vaccinated.
Comment by Been There Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:34 pm
Yes, he should.
Comment by Dutch Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:40 pm
===Why is no one concerned===
The governor can mandate state workers.
That’s the concern… to the question.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:41 pm
Voted yes because it’s the right thing to do. Millions have been vaccinated with no problems. If you work for *any* governmental unit, and you don’t want the vaccine, feel free to resign. Or, do the right thing, be a civil servant, get vaccinated for the good of all.
Funny thing about mandates…I got vaccinated as soon as I could get in line, and I voluntarily wear a mask indoors. I am mandate-free. Do the right thing, and they won’t apply to you, either.
Comment by Don't Bloc Me In Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:41 pm
So, taxpayers are on the hook for the expense of testing? No thanks.
Comment by AD Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:42 pm
My last post was in reference to “ I voted no but would mandate twice weekly testing and mandatory mask wearing.”
Comment by AD Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:42 pm
===…thousands of immigrants…===
And there it is, right on cue.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:45 pm
At some point, we all need to bite the bullet and move this pandemic toward its end. As state employees, we represent the interests and needs of the citizenry. We should be leading this effort to save our children and our elders from unnecessary illnesses and premature deaths. We should also lead the Nation in this effort, rather than simply playing the “free-rider” role that other states are adopting.
Comment by H-W Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:46 pm
OW - The Cardinal and Pope are encouraging Catholics to take the vaccine. The Cardinal has said there aren’t any reasons for Catholics to be exempt for religious.
Comment by Groucho Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:48 pm
As usual, I agree with 47.
“We have to stop the spread before a new mutation emerges that is deadlier and vaccine resistant.”
The next mutation is not going to start somewhere, factually it will occur within an infected person. The fewer infected people we have, the sooner we reduce the spread, the safer we will all be.
We have spent billions / trillions of dollars in response to this disease. Hundreds of thousands of people have died. Our lives disrupted. We all need to do everything we can to stop this disease, that includes everyone getting the vaccines.
Voted yes. Require the shots.
Comment by Siriously Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:55 pm
=== The Cardinal and Pope are encouraging Catholics to take the vaccine. The Cardinal has said there aren’t any reasons for Catholics to be exempt for religious.===
Yep. I was… slow walking that truth.
“Catholics are not going to find such an exemption easy”
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 2:59 pm
Yes and let’s get rid of religious exemptions while we’re at it.
Comment by Excitable Boy Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:01 pm
Voted Yes. We are public servants. Time to serve. This is what society needs right now. Step up.
Comment by DHS Drone Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:03 pm
Absolutely. He has the legal authority to do so, and it is necessary to protect the health and safety of all employees. Frankly, I think it should extend to all of Illinois government. The GA, staff, judges are all drawing state checks, and I don’t see how it really diminishes legislative or executive power to say you have to get a vaccine. Any local executive should impose a strong vaccine mandate.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:03 pm
Right on cue
It’s a valid question that no one seems to want to answer
Comment by Lee Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:07 pm
@Excitable Boy: Why do you say that? Please explain.
Comment by Yiddishcowboy Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:09 pm
If we don’t get the vaccines into more arms, we will still be here with the same problems and issues, socially and economically five years from now.
This isn’t about rights and privileges, it’s about responsibility and obligations to others.
I say yes to mandated vaccines.
Comment by Downstate Dem Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:09 pm
===It’s a valid question===
It’s a racist underpinning to claim while blaming immigrants for spread.
You know that already, but… here we are.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:11 pm
=== Yes and let’s get rid of religious exemptions while we’re at it. ===
No, I have no problem with legit exemptions, but let’s make it damn clear that we are serious about protecting legit religious and medical exemptions while cracking down on fraud.
So, put in an affidavit at the top of the exemption form that must be signed and notarized, and remind them that fraud is grounds for discipline up to and including termination, and subject to prosecution that could result in forfeiture of their pension benefits.
Also, require them to sign a release form to access their medical and insurance records during their term of state employment, for verification purposes.
Comment by Thomas Paine Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:11 pm
OW +1. I would add that the new immigrants will be more receptive to vaccinations than the folks complaining about their presence.
Comment by Norseman Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:13 pm
=== …no one seems to want to answer==•
We’re talking about public employees in Illinois. I’m sure a five second Google search would take you someplace where people were talking about immigrants and their vaccination status. But that’s not what we’re talking about here.
Try to keep up or go elsewhere.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:13 pm
it is way more secure doing it this way. you want employees to get a criminal background check? well this is security as well. health security.
Comment by Amalia Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:15 pm
Re: Religious Exemptions
If they are to exist, then they simply apply to the issue of not getting vaccinated. Religious exemptions however should not serve as a justification for being allowed to expose others to the SARS-COVID virus. Those who wish to avoid getting vaccinated for “personal” religious reasons not substantiated by any actual religion should be made to quarantine at work, away from citizens and other state workers.
Comment by H-W Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:23 pm
If the Science dictates that employees must be vaccinated, then there can be no argument for any exemptions, whether you’re employed by the State of Illinois or any other employer. Or does the Science somehow work differently inside a State-owned building?
Comment by Occam Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:24 pm
YES, enough is enough! Get another job if you can’t/won’t get the vaccine.
Comment by Grateful Gail Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:27 pm
===It’s a valid question===
Dude, it’s my blog and I ask the questions here. Your role is to answer them, not to ask your own.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:30 pm
I reluctantly voted no only because I think there should be a testing option, just one much more demanding than once a week. If someone takes a daily, higher quality test, on their own time, I can live with that level of risk.
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:32 pm
- Why do you say that? Please explain. -
Pretty simple, I don’t believe your religious beliefs give you the right to refuse to comply with public health measures that save lives. The Supreme Court disagrees with me, but I’d be pleased to see that change someday.
Comment by Excitable Boy Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:32 pm
No
Not without consideration to those with natural immunity from prior infection
Comment by Cassie Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 3:36 pm
I’d agree but would like for people who have earned their antibodies the hard way to be considered vaxed at least while they have the antibodies (about 6 months or so) after they’re gone then they get jabbed same as anyone else. And the employee has to agree to that stipulation up front.
Comment by cermak_rd Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 4:02 pm
==Not without consideration to those with natural immunity from prior infection.==
This might not give protection from new variants like Delta. The mRNA vaccines will.
Comment by Wensicia Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 4:12 pm
The question is to vaccine, and deciding not to get vaccinated, by choice, I voted yes because if you choose not to vaccinate, you can choose other employment opportunities.
Excuses are done, loopholes should end.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 4:12 pm
=Not without consideration to those with natural immunity from prior infection=
Doctors are not recommending that individuals with prior infections skip the vaccine. Given that I don’t know why it would be part of any policy.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 4:14 pm
Yes, because after seeing the drone strike story the BYT dropped today, President Biden is going to need all the distractions he can get.
Comment by City Zen Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 4:20 pm
===It’s a valid question that no one seems to want to answer===
No whattboutism. Let them be vaccinated too. Done.
Comment by JIbba Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 4:23 pm
Might not
But it might
Not enough data
Comment by Cassie Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 4:27 pm
As a State employee I say Yes. all must be vaccinated. no exceptions. testing leaves a window of time where they could still have exposed others and the state should not bear the burden of paying for their tests twice a week or every other day. Just require all to be vaccinated. AFSCME step up. Back the majority of your members with this requirement. Listen to your membership. we want this.
Comment by Peanut Monday, Sep 13, 21 @ 8:41 am