RALEIGH, N.C. — Dozens of North Carolina parents gathered outside of Raleigh's Division of Public Health building Wednesday morning to speak out against COVID-19 vaccine mandates for kids.
What You Need To Know
The N.C. Commission For Public Health has unanimously voted against a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the state's high school seniors
The move comes after a petition signed by hundreds of UNC faculty and staff asked that schools require 17 year olds to have the vaccine
The commission met for hours Wednesday morning
Sondra Simmons isn't against vaccines, but says she doesn't want her 17 year old to get this one. The mother of two traveled all the way from Hickory to stand up to join the protest.
"This is not the country I wanted my children to be raised in. They're slowly chipping away our freedoms," Simmons said.
Kelly Cook from Chatham County says she's more afraid of governments abusing their power than coronavirus. She's tired of her kids wearing masks and not living normal childhoods.
Aisha Bakkar from Johnston County also believes the country is heading into dangerous territory. She served in the Marine Corps for 20 years and is now raising a family.
"I worry about their future. I just see our country being censored. I see mandates being brought down that are completely contrary to what our country stands for," Bakkar said.
Right now, the CDC recommends everyone ages 5 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine and everyone 12 years and older to get a booster shot. The agency says it's a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others from the virus.