US Court Halts Mandatory Vaccination for Healthcare Workers

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] A U.S. federal court has once again blocked the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. It ruled that the mandate for healthcare workers, who are subject to vaccination, is an overreach of administrative authority.

According to U.S. internet media Axios and others, the federal district court in St. Louis, Missouri, on the 29th (local time) stated, "The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Department of Health and Human Services does not have clear authority to compel employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine," and granted a preliminary injunction requested by 10 state governments.

The 10 states include Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, where Republican officials serve as governors or attorneys general.

Judge Matthew Schelp ruled that the Biden administration's vaccine mandate exceeds the federal government's legal authority. Judge Schelp said, "CMS is overstepping traditional state authority with an unprecedented federal directive mandating private medical decisions for millions of citizens."

He also pointed out, "While the vaccine mandate may be appropriate for long-term care facilities, there is insufficient evidence to justify applying it to other healthcare facility employees, and it overlooks the risk it may pose to facilities already facing staff shortages."

Amid repeated opposition from the courts, the vaccine mandate executive order issued earlier this month for private businesses with over 100 employees and healthcare facilities is facing difficulties.

The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals also granted a preliminary injunction requested by Texas and other state governments and some companies against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) order.

The Biden administration emphasizes that federal law takes precedence over state law and that the vaccine mandate is essential to slowing the pandemic.

On the other hand, Republican-controlled state governments argue that the federal government’s overreach is unjust and that the government cannot force individuals’ medical decisions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.