Can the government make swine flu shot mandatory?

In the United States, there is no federal mandate that requires individuals to receive the swine flu vaccine. The decision of whether or not to get the vaccine is ultimately up to the individual, in consultation with their healthcare provider.

However, some states have implemented their own vaccine mandates for certain groups of people, such as healthcare workers or school children. These mandates typically allow for medical and religious exemptions, and individuals may also be able to obtain a waiver from the requirement if they can demonstrate undue hardship.

In the context of a public health emergency, such as a severe influenza pandemic, the government may have broader authority to implement mandatory vaccination measures. However, such measures would likely be challenged in court, and the government would need to demonstrate a compelling interest in protecting the public health in order to justify the infringement on individual liberty.