Two Takes: Should All Americans Be Required to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Once again, coronavirus cases are climbing nationwide. Primarily among the unvaccinated. Some 90 million eligible Americans still haven't gotten their first dose. Fueled by the highly contagious delta variant coupled with factors like vaccine hesitancy, fresh viral surges are causing renewed concern.

Vaccine mandates are sparking fierce controversy around the world. Recently President Biden announced new vaccine requirements for federal civilian workers, comprising more than 2 million Americans. Because his plan relies on the honor system – not proof of vaccination – some experts fear these steps will not be enough to curb the spread. This week, New York City went further, becoming the first major city in the country to require proof of vaccination to enter many indoor public spaces, like gyms and restaurants.

In this edition of Two Takes, a U.S. News series examining opinions about key issues, two prominent public health doctors explore the question of whether all Americans should now be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Should all Americans be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. Dr. Leana Wen: COVID-19 Vaccines Should Be Required for All Americans

No. Dr. Marty Makary: COVID-19 Vaccines Should Not Be Required for All Americans

· Dr. Leana Wen is an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University, former Baltimore City Health Commissioner and author of the new book "Lifelines: A Doctor's Journey in the Fight for Public Health."

· Dr. Marty Makary, a professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, editor in chief of MedPage Today and author of "The Price We Pay: What Broke American Health Care—and How to Fix It."