In Louisiana, those against vaccine mandates in the workplace got a big legal win as the Second Circuit Court of Appeal put a stay on all firings of Oschner Health employees who have not met the vaccine requirement according to the health system’s policy.
Thirty-nine Oschner LSU Health employees in Caddo Parish and nine in Ouachita Parish filed suit in early October, claiming Louisiana’s constitution and laws guarantee citizens a right to decide their medical treatments. The Oschner LSU Health employees claim that COVID-19 vaccines don’t prevent disease transmission.
Both parishes’ district courts denied requests for a restraining or denial of hospital action to stop the workers from being treated by the hospital.
But on Thursday, the Second Circuit Court of Appeal ruling Thursday reversed those rulings and instructed the district judges in those courts to grant the temporary restraining orders and to hold hearings on the lawsuits.
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Oschner Health reported that more than 85% were fully vaccinated as of October 6th, with 90% having received their first dose.
We’ve seen these fights in various states. These fights have been witnessed in many states, from police departments and teachers unions to individuals working for the Oschner Health System. There has always been a consensus that these groups have the right and authority to demand vaccines (as well as schools and colleges for students). However, that understanding has been challenged recently by COVID-19.
The government is not helping. The Biden administration’s handling of the COVID crisis and their poor messaging on getting vaccinated have not encouraged people to get the shot. It’s been businesses requiring the vaccines that have boosted the numbers (see the last sentence in the quoted blocks above).
I’m been a vaccine advocate, got it early when educators were allowed in Louisiana to get one, and have encouraged others to get it. I think it’s the way to go. But where I draw the line is the angry and hateful rhetoric that comes from the pro-vaccine crowd toward anyone who doesn’t get it, and that includes the people we called first responders for the last nearly two years. These were the people on the frontlines, managing this epidemic as it grew into a serious pandemic.
We’ve seen major media outlets write stories dismissive of the healthcare workers who don’t want to get the shot. Attacks on those who are “failing to protect and serve” because they don’t want the vaccine. Political swipes at politicians who oppose these mandates and want to protect those first responders’ jobs.
These reactions all amount to the same thing: Screw the first responders.
That is quite a shame. At a time when we’re already splitting apart at the seams with hate and division, we really want to go after those who have stood at the front lines of the pandemic or are on the front lines of the crime wave sweeping through the country, and call for them to be fired because they don’t want the vaccine?
I understand the hesitancy, even if I don’t agree with it. The vaccine was developed quickly, there have been some reports of complications, and we don’t fully know the long-term effects of the shot. Although we have lots of data about the clinical trials, our fight for the Affordable Care Act is based on the belief that everyone has the right to their healthcare and boosters. We have always accepted vaccines that protect against certain diseases, but many people are now pushing back, partly due to the COVID-19 vaccination and the political tensions.
This is the truth: Even though people were dying and sick, medics, nurses, EMTs and others were heroic in fighting the pandemic. While stores are on fire and looting rampant, officers in police force are still heroes. As they fight the crime wave and continue pandemic, police officers will be remembered as heroes. They are not worthy of the hatred and toxicity being directed towards them by pro-vaccine activists.
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