If there were any signs of being targeted at Massachusetts State House on Sunday, parents in two states aren’t considering rolling out when it comes to a mandatory influenza vaccine shot for their children.
The government’s Charlie Baker announced Aug. 19 that all students aged 6 months or older in childcare, preschool, school and college colleges in Massachusetts will need to be vaccinated against the flu in an effort to reduce the likelihood of the health care system becoming overburdened. By double punch of COVID-19 and typical seasonal flu.
The decision raised concerns among many parents and others that the order was an example of government action. And on Sunday, protesters rallied on Bacon Street to express their displeasure, and sometimes shouted “We won’t comply, we won’t comply!” No slogans were chanted. Boston Globe.
Signs advised Baker to “call the parents shots,” “no forced consent,” and “Mama is pissed!” At least one protester raised a large flag with “Trump 2020: No more bullshit.”
Students must be vaccinated against influenza by December 31, the state’s public health department said in a statement.
Here is what Sunday’s protest felt like:
Activists had some words of choice for some Massachusetts school students to get the flu vaccine in response to the government’s Charlie Baker order on Sunday.C Scott Eisen / Getty Images
An activist protesting against a mandatory flu shot for students put up signs in front of the Massachusetts State House on Sunday.C Scott Eisen / Getty Images
Joel Marast, of Bern, with his stepdaughter Olivia McConnell, 11, during a “No Mandatory Flu Shot Massachusetts” rally outside the State House on Sunday.-Jessica Rinaldi / Globe staff
Sisters Maria Harvey and Ashley McRidakis cheer during a rally outside the State House to protest against Governor Charlie Baker’s order to make all students vaccinated against influenza.-Jessica Rinaldi / Globe staff
Conspiracy theorists carry a sign during a “No Mandatory Flu Shot Massachusetts” rally at the State House in a Tate shirt.-Jessica Rinaldi / Globe staff
Government during a rally outside the State House to protest the mandatory flu shot. Donna Witt of Vymouth wearing a mask telling Charlie Baker to “cancel the mandate”.-Jessica Rinaldi / Globe staff
Protesters responded to the speaker’s urging during a “no mandatory flu shot Massachusetts” rally.-Jessica Rinaldi / Globe staff
Hundreds of people of mixed political opinions, religions and cultures came to the State House on Sunday to protest Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s order that all school children be given flu shots.Getty Images by Joseph Preziozo / AFP
The mother delivered a message on Sunday about a mandatory flu shot for government Charlie Baker.Getty Images by Joseph Preziozo / AFP
At least one sign holder protested President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign with a mandatory flu shot at a rally at Massachusetts State House on Sunday.Getty Images by Joseph Preziozo / AFP
During Sunday’s protest, people draw the message “No Forced Shots” on the street in Chalk.Getty Images by Joseph Preziozo / AFP
Nicole Connell, Sutton’s 6-year-old daughter, holds Willow’s hand in second place from the left during a “No Mandatory Flu Shot Massachusetts” rally outside the state. House Sunday.-Jessica Rinaldi / Globe staff
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