Madison, Wis. — Jan. 5, 2022— Assembly Bill 675, which is set to be heard today in the Assembly Committee on Constitution and Ethics, would undermine vaccine requirements. With record numbers of COVID-19 cases sweeping across the country, lawmakers should do all they can to protect their constituents by encouraging vaccinations – not limiting them.
As leading national health organizations whose top priority is the safety of those with cancer and other chronic illnesses, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, The American Lung Association and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society released the following statements in opposition to these efforts:
“Vague and subjective exemptions from vaccine requirements in lieu of vaccination for COVID-19 in this bill would slow, perhaps even prevent, the protection of cancer patients, even where it is needed most – in health care settings.” – Sara Sahli, Wisconsin Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).
“Our public policies should focus on encouraging Wisconsinites to get vaccinated. Millions of Americans have received their COVID-19 vaccines, and the evidence is clear that they reduce the risk of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19, as well as the risk of contracting and spreading the virus.” – Molly Collins, Wisconsin Advocacy Director for the American Lung Association.
“Cancer survivors with weakened immune systems are counting on their neighbors to get vaccinated and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Particularly now, as the Omicron variant spreads, we need more folks to get vaccinated — not fewer. Legislation that aims to do otherwise puts vulnerable Wisconsinites at risk.” – Dana Bacon, Government Affairs Director for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
We urge our State Legislature to promote proven public health strategies to protect the health and safety of all Wisconsinites by encouraging everyone to get vaccinated and boosted.