The 5th U.S. Court of Appeals put a hold on the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate ordering businesses with over 100 employees to have them vaccinated, or get weekly testing. The mandate was to take effect Jan. 4, but the appeals court paused the rule, saying it raised “grave statutory and constitutional issues.” The government argued on Monday why the stay shouldn’t be made permanent.

The government claims it is “a matter of life and death,” that delaying vaccination mandate will lead to thousands more people getting sick or dying of COVID.

That may be true, but there are many people who are willing to take that chance to avoid vaccinations. While we heartily disagree with their choice, it is theirs to make. If the mandate goes into effect as planned, millions could be forced to be vaccinated, and once the needle goes in the arm, there is no way to unvaccinate someone.

The appeals court should be allowed to consider the constitutional and legal ramifications before vaccinations are mandated. Given the urgency of the situation, the courts should be able to issue a quick ruling.

Yes, vaccinations are the best way to protect ones’ self and the public in general from the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and we wish more people would take this simple action for their own good and the public’s. But the rights of the individual also need to be considered.

This is a situation where the courts should be allowed to decide where the line between public and private rights lies.