Hundreds rally at Massachusetts State House against flu vaccine mandate for students

Associated Press | Sunday, August 30, 2020 9:42 p.m.

Boston Herald

Sal Lando, left, of Sterling, holds up signs Sunday during a protest against mandatory flu vaccinations, outside the Massachusetts State House in Boston. Public health authorities say flu shots are very important this year to avoid overburdening the health system. amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Demonstrators, many not wearing masks, came to the Massachusetts State House on Sunday to oppose a new state rule that requires flu shots for school children.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker announced what is believed to be the first such requirement in the country earlier this month. A Massachusetts Department of Public Health spokesperson released a statement on Sunday that said the flu shot requirement is especially important because flu season will overlap with the coronavirus pandemic.

“As students return to in-person learning in the classroom, this vaccine requirement provides an additional and necessary layer of protection and safety,” the statement said.

While most Massachusetts students will be required to receive the flu shot, there are exemptions for medical or religious reasons, or for home schooled or remote-only learners.

A speaker at the demonstration called on the crowd to hug one another, The Boston Globe reported.

“We really feel like the decision whether or not to take a flu vaccine should be between the parent, your doctor and your children. Not for the state to mandate,” protesting parent Lauren Perry said.

Officials in Vermont are considering a similar requirement.