Recently, the Los Angeles Unified School District started the process of mandating COVID-19 vaccines in schools for students ages 12 and older by January of 2022. The Glendale Unified School District should also follow in their footsteps to help protect our children and staff members, along with their families.

Colleges and universities are also starting, if not already completing, the process of mandating vaccinations for in-person learning. If you are not vaccinated, you will be sent to an online homeschooling program. 

I got the vaccine right when it was available to me, and I didn’t even have to think about it. One small shot can save so many people’s lives. The Pfizer vaccine is FDA approved, meaning it’s completely safe for you to get. So what are you waiting for? 

Some may be questioning the safety of the vaccination, even with all the research that has been done, and that is totally understandable. However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is offering to teach more about the COVID-19 vaccine along with its risks and benefits. 

Every single school asks for proof of vaccinations that you got when you were younger, and we don’t question that. Yet, when a vaccine that could save thousands of lives comes around, people are suddenly acting like a vaccine mandate is wrong. 

I interviewed an anonymous student, and they stated, “It’s my body my choice. COVID is exactly like the flu. It’s all just dramaticized.” Meanwhile, over 4.5 million cases have been reported and over 68,000 people have died in California alone. Your selfishness is costing thousands of people their lives. 

At Glendale High School, almost every single day, emails and phone calls are being sent to students who have been exposed to COVID and must quarantine. Students are missing out on a whole week of lessons, and it’s not easy for them to catch up. 

To prevent our students from missing out on a useful education, we should all work together to fight against COVID-19. A simple vaccine can work wonders. It should absolutely be mandated for students in Glendale.

Get vaccinated, Nitros!