Addressing the COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate: Tensions between Public Health and Protecting Autonomy
- codeofcures
- Oct 18
- 3 min read
By Crystal Kong and Chloe Cherng, High School Students
Following the development of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021, the Biden administration enacted a series of vaccine mandates that applied to mostly federal workers and contractors, large employers, and health care workers (HCWs) (Sanchez, 2022). Soon after, many cities implemented their own measures to enforce vaccination among civilians. In New York City, for instance, proof of at least one vaccine dose became mandatory for indoor dining and other public activities. “If you want to participate in our society fully, you’ve got to get vaccinated,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said (NYTimes, 2021). These policies effectively made it difficult, if not physically impossible, for individuals to engage in daily life without getting vaccinated.
With how widespread COVID-19 was all across the globe, a mandate was necessary to protect public health. In terms of beneficence, the mandate promotes the well-being of both patients and HCWs as it minimizes transmission, especially for vulnerable patients, including the elderly, immunocompromised, and critically ill. By increasing vaccination rates among HCWs, the mandate reduces the number of potential carriers within healthcare settings, lowering the chances of the virus spreading between staff and patients. Vaccinated individuals are less likely to become infected, and even when they are, they are typically contagious for a shorter period. This lowers transmission in high-risk environments where close contact is unavoidable. In upholding this responsibility, HCWs are honoring the principle of nonmaleficence, preventing potential harm to patients that could arise from exposure to COVID-19. Beyond healthcare settings, a mandate for federal workers and contractors, and larger employers helps reduce widespread community transmission. These groups make up a significant portion of the workforce, and their daily interactions create opportunities for the virus to spread. Thus, a mandate promotes the health and safety of both employees and the general public, protecting public health. In all, the mandate reinforces the ethical obligation to act for the collective good. It helps maintain patient safety, workforce stability, and public confidence in the federal government and healthcare system.
On the other hand, vaccine mandates fail to uphold the principle of autonomy. The COVID-19 vaccine mandate ignited large protests. Protestors stating “My medical decisions are not your business” (USA Today, 2021). From an ethical standpoint, these protests reflect a tension between individual autonomy and beneficence. While it is the duty of public health institutions to act for the welfare of all, individuals still have the right to make informed choices about their own bodies. These mandates risk undermining trust in the healthcare system, where individuals feel coerced rather than empowered to consent to vaccination.
Although individual autonomy is an important ethical value, during a global health crisis like COVID-19, the collective duty and benefits of protecting public health far outweigh personal choice. Vaccines are not just for self-protection, but also serve to prevent the spread of a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus, protecting vulnerable populations and preserving societal functioning. Enforcing mandates is ethically justified, ensuring the well-being of patients, workers, and the broader community. Ultimately, in the face of a global pandemic, vaccine mandates are not just a policy decision; they are a moral responsibility to safeguard public health.
Works Cited
Fitzsimmons, Emma G., et al. “N.Y.C. Will Require Workers and Customers Show Proof of at Least One Dose for Indoor Dining and Other Activities.” The New York Times, 3 Aug. 2021, www.nytimes.com/2021/08/03/nyregion/nyc-vaccine-mandate.html.
R. John, Preeti. “Ethical Considerations for a COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate.” Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), 21 June 2021, www.sccm.org/blog/ethical-considerations-for-a-covid-19-vaccine-mandate. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Sanchez, Emely, et al. “Federal Vaccine Mandates: Assessing Their Legalities.” Network for Public Health Law, 24 Feb. 2022, www.networkforphl.org/resources/federal-vaccine-mandates-assessing-their-legalities/.
TODAY, USA. “Protesters Rally against Vaccine Mandates.” USA TODAY, 10 2021, www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/nation/2021/10/29/protestors-rally-against-vaccine-mandates/6192210001/. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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