ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Congressman Andy Harris is urging Governor Larry Hogan and Health Department Secretary Dennis Schrader to end a vaccine mandate for students attending college at state universities.
Harris, who is also a Medical Doctor says a recent study out of Israel found a strong correlation between the COVID-19 vaccine and myocarditis or pericarditis in mostly young men between the ages of 16 and 30.
The congressman defines Myocarditis and Pericarditis as an inflammation of the heart muscle that present shortness of breath and pain in the chest.
According to Harris, the CDC's immunization practices advisory committee plans to hold a meeting Friday to examine risks found in the study.
On April 23, University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman, announced all students, faculty, and staff planning to be on campus this fall would have to be vaccinated.
READ MORE: Maryland State Universities to require vaccinations for all on campus this fall
Many other colleges have followed, including Morgan State, Loyola University, McDaniel College, and Notre Dame of Maryland.
"It is unacceptable that students are being forced to make personal medical decisions as a condition of advancing their education," said Harris. "Students could safely return to the classroom without a vaccine requirement through reasonable safety accommodations, such as testing and mask usage for unvaccinated individuals.”
Harris tweeted out his full letter to Hogan which can be read below.
Maryland should suspend vaccine mandates on higher education campuses until the myocarditis data can be further evaluated and reviewed by the CDC. pic.twitter.com/HUiR5jZnqe
— Rep. Andy Harris, MD (@RepAndyHarrisMD) June 15, 2021
