Legally speaking, if the federal government leaves the mandatory vaccination decision up to states, it would most likely be legal. In the 1905 case, Jacobson v. Massachusetts, a citizen argued forced smallpox inoculations infringed on his personal liberty. The Supreme Court upheld the Cambridge Board of Health’s authority to require the vaccination under the 10th Amendment that grants state police powers. Although the case is about 115 years old, it is still perfectly good law.
However, there could be medical exemptions and/or religious exemptions. Moreover, if states start mandating vaccines, there could be a massive social backlash. It will likely come down to states that seek population control-liberal and states that seek personal responsibility-conservative. What do you think? Let me know in the comment section!
