LI Community Opposes Potential Vax Mandate In Peaceful Protest

LINDENHURST, NY — Members of the Lindenhurst community participated in a peaceful demonstration Thursday night, in opposition of a vaccine mandate for children.

More than 100 shoes were placed in front of McKenna Administration building, as part of a protest titled "Operation Shoe Drop", to symbolize the amount of children that would be removed from the district if the vaccine mandate were to be approved.

While there is no current coronavirus vaccine mandate in place for children, Governor Kathy Hochul said she would "have no choice" to impose one in schools, if infection rates go up.

Heather Reado, parent of a Lindenhurst, first-grader, told Patch that when it comes to a child's health, it should be parents making decisions — not the district.

“I feel it is important to demonstrate this peaceful protest because as parents we should have the right to choose what is best for our children," said Reado. "My son has health issues that in giving him this vaccine could cause more issues and possibly death."

Due to the rain, shoes were placed in plastic bags with notes and letters, opposing a mandate.

"My child, my choice," one read.

According to Reado, the intent was to donate the shoes after the demonstration. In a letter addressed to the Lindenhurst School community, superintendent Daniel Giordano confirmed that custodians have since moved the shoes from the premises. He went on to say that he had arranged for the shoes to be given to a protest organizer, to be donated to a charity.

Earlier this month, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention approved the Pfizer vaccine for children between ages 5 and 11. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said the vaccine was safe and called its approval a vital step forward in the fight against the pandemic.

"As a mom, I encourage parents with questions to talk to their pediatrician, school nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting their children vaccinated," she said.

However, many parents like Reado are still hesitant about the vaccine, claiming that more research needs to be done.

"We ask that our Board of Education continue to fight with us on ensuring that we as parents will continue to have the right to choose what is best for our children and their medical needs," said Reado.