Just before Thanksgiving, the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill (HB) 218, legislation that essentially prohibits any entity from requiring a COVID vaccine. The bill allows an entity to require the vaccine but then also requires the entity to honor exceptions that are so broad that essentially anyone can opt out with little effort. The bill would also prohibit entities from requiring proof of vaccination to enter facilities or receive services (“vaccine passports”). Legislators need to understand that this bill, HB 218, is not a watered down version of previous bills.
HB 218 still needs to pass through the Senate in order to be sent to the governor. Although the future of this issue remains uncertain, the Senate has scheduled the bill for hearings, and legislators need to hear from you!
Please contact your State Senator today to urge them to reject HB 218 which would dangerously weaken our public health framework. Voting no on HB 218 ensures that employers and businesses retain the ability to implement important safety measures meant to protect their employees and clients (who are our patients) from COVID-19.
House Bill 218 endangers the health of Ohioans, particularly children. Please vote against it and work to keep it from passing. Let me know if or how I can help. I’m a retired family physician.
House Bill 218 endangers the health of all Ohioans. The only way we as a population can contain or control this disease (Covid) is through vaccinations. Our health as a country, our economy as a nation needs more vaccinations. The benefit of the vaccination far, far outweigh any potential risk to individuals. I’m a retired family physician. In all my years i have never seen a medication or vaccine work so well and without any significant side effect. Passing House Bill 218 sends a dangerous message to the public in general – that it is acceptable to use any excuse not to get vaccinated. As the senators for the state of Ohio your job should be to do the best for the population of the state as a whole. Not just to please individuals or special interest groups.
Please vote against it and work to keep it from passing.