Assemblyman Scharfenberger: YES to COVID-19 Vaccines, NO to Government Mandate

Middletown, N.J. – Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (LD13) has introduced legislation (A-5096)
which seeks to avert any looming government mandate that would force New Jersey residents to
receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the near future. Although a proponent of vaccinations, the
Assemblyman asserts that individuals should have the final say as to which medical treatments they
undergo:

“Let me be clear, I support vaccinations and courses of action medical professionals believe would
help us combat COVID-19,” affirmed Scharfenberger. “However, it still must remain an individual
decision whether someone chooses to receive these preventative measures or not. Should everyone
consider taking these vaccines – yes, but again it has to be a personal choice someone makes in
consultation with their physician.”

With positive news regarding COVID-19 vaccinations increasing hope and confidence that we may be
nearing the end of the pandemic, it still should not deter the notion that New Jerseyans must
maintain the ability to choose their individual medical destinies especially with many having
questions and concerns:

“There’s a general uneasiness felt by many residents across the State. They want a return to
normalcy, but they have numerous questions about these inoculations,” says Scharfenberger. “Our
residents deserve to have all the information and expert recommendations provided to them as soon
as possible. Doing so would allow them to make informed decisions and dispel apprehensions which
may ultimately increase vaccination participation.”

With the debate likely to continue regarding the coming COVID-19 vaccinations, it is important to
recognize the immense feats accomplished over the past year to bring us to a point where these
discussions are even possible:

“It is a testament to the incredible innovation of the pharmaceutical industry and research
scientists in our
country,” said Scharfenberger. “The Trump administration deserves a tremendous amount of credit for
the public private partnership that resulted in not one, but three COVID-19 vaccines being
developed and approved for
distribution.”
###