Crowds of individuals gathered outside the Michigan State Capitol building Friday afternoon, Aug. 6, to protest the notion of mandating COVID-19 vaccines for schools, businesses and/or municipalities.
The approximately two-hour demonstration, which brought more than an estimated 1,000 people to Lansing, was hosted by the group “Stand Up Hospitals & Fight For Medical Freedom,” according to a flyer for the event.
Throughout the rally, speakers took turns criticizing government officials and presenting information that has been largely debunked by doctors and public health leaders about COVID-19, the vaccines and the effectiveness of masking. They called vaccine mandates “immoral,” chanted “my body, my choice” and called upon residents to contact their elected leaders in opposition of mandated vaccinations.
MLive spoke with a handful of residents who gathered for the event, all sharing an opposition to mandating vaccines, especially those without full FDA approval. All three available vaccines were granted emergency use authorization by the FDA, meaning they still had to prove their vaccines were safe and effective but could get the shots to people faster due to the health emergency. Now those developers are seeking full approval from federal regulators.
The individuals who spoke with MLive were unvaccinated for various reasons, or declined to share their vaccination status. They all expressed pride in the event’s turnout, and some noted they appreciated being around others with similar viewpoints.
In the crowd, people held signs that read “Force is criminal” and “Say No To Vaccination Segregation.” Others waved U.S., Gadsden (Don’t Tread on Me), and even a few Trump flags.
Among the speakers at Friday’s event were State Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine, Rep. Matt Maddock, R-Milford Twp., and Sen. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte.
More than 5 million Michigan residents have gotten at least a first dose of vaccine, accounting for 58.8% of the state’s 12 and older population. About 54.3% of those folks are fully vaccinated.
Health officials continue to defend the vaccines as being safe and effective in preventing COVID-19, especially severe illness causing hospitalization or death. Among the vaccinated population, less than 0.20% have tested positive for coronavirus after being fully vaccinated.
COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in Michigan. Over the last seven days, Michigan has averaged 938 cases per day -- up from 332 cases per day two weeks ago. Health officials point to the latest variant (delta), which is believed to be more infectious than previous strains.
To find a vaccine near you, visit Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccine website or go to VaccineFinder.org.
Read more on MLive:
More than half of Michigan’s counties need to mask up again, says CDC
Delta variant coronavirus cases spike 165% in Michigan
Michigan coronavirus data for Thursday, Aug. 5: Positivity surpasses 10% in eight counties
Michigan reports a three-day total of 3,962 new coronavirus cases for Aug. 4-6
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Hundreds gather outside Michigan Capitol for anti-vaccine mandate rally - MLive.com
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