Two state leaders taking office next week think that President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate is "simply unconstitutional."
Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General-elect Jason Miyares Issued a statement Friday that they both do not support President Biden’s vaccine mandate on Medicare and Medicaid Services.
President Biden’s mandate requires health care workers who get paid through Medicare or Medicaid to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Biden says this will give patients across the country more assurance of vaccination status for those caring for them.
Governor-elect Youngkin does not agree.
He says this strips Americans of their freedom.
"It should be up to individuals to take the steps to protect themselves and their families, to make their own decisions. It should not be determined by a state or federal government mandate," said Republican State Senator Mark Peake.
Senator Peake agrees with Youngkin.
"We don’t mandate flu vaccines, we don’t mandate pneumonia vaccines, we don’t mandate a whole lot of vaccines. This is a very new vaccine, some people don’t want to take it. It is their freedom, it is their liberty. We as a government should not interfere with that," Senator Peake.
Democratic Delegate Sam Rasoul feels it is everyone's personal responsibility to step up and stay healthy.
"It is certainly important for people on the front line to make sure that folks are staying extra safe. People are in touch with patients on a regular basis. When you're in touch with a patient, they usually have some sort of vulnerability. We have to be smart about this," said Delegate Rasoul.
Delegate Rasoul looks forward to working together in hopes to stop the spread.
"What I look forward to doing with the incoming administration and this general assembly session is how can we make clear, calm decisions as to what is going to make Virginians safe," said Delegate Rasoul.
Governor-elect Youngkin says when he steps foot in office, the Commonwealth of Virginia will quickly move to challenge the current mandates put in place.