SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Sen. Mike Lee is fighting President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate from the floor of the U.S. Senate.

Utah’s senior senator says the mandate contradicts the U.S. Constitution, and he has new bills that would allow for personal exemptions.

The senator said his office has received phone calls from 144 Utahns in the past week who are worried they will be fired if they don’t get the vaccine.

Lee: Vaccine mandate dismisses religious beliefs, questions

He quoted studies from Israel that show natural immunity is stronger than the vaccine.

“Millions of Americans may not need to be vaccinated, because they have acquired natural immunity,” he said.

That same study, which was not peer-reviewed, also found that one vaccine dose enhanced protection against COVID-19 for those who previously had the virus. 

Lee argues the mandate dismisses religious beliefs, and any questions people have about the vaccine’s effect on their health. 

Related: Are the Covid-19 vaccines safe? We asked the experts

“A mandate by the Biden administration to be vaccinated against Covid-19 under threat of unemployment will not quell Americans’ concerns. Instead it will likely further erode the little trust that may currently exist.”

On Tuesday he introduced one bill that failed in the senate. But Lee said he will try again, and will talk about it for as long as it takes.

The Biden administration has said a vaccine mandate will stand up in court and is necessary to protect the health of Americans.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
• Don’t touch your face.
• Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
• Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
• If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
• Obtain a flu shot.
• Seek out the COVID-19 vaccine.

Local resources

KSL Coronavirus Q&A 

Utah’s Coronavirus Information 

Utah State Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States

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