Indiana governor won't back mandatory COVID-19 vaccine

By TOM DAVIES Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb says he would not support requiring residents to receive a COVID-19 vaccine once such immunizations become available.

The question of mandating such vaccines was asked during a debate among the Republican governor and his two election opponents Tuesday night as Indiana has continued to face steep increases in coronavirus-related deaths and hospitalizations over the past month.

Holcomb said a vaccine should be encouraged when it is safe.

Indiana law already requires 11 vaccines for public school students, including those for whooping cough, tetanus, measles and meningitis.

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