COVID vaccines do NOT stop a person from contracting COVID 19.  The side effects from the vaccine are not slight, but are harmful for some.  No one knows if they will have a severe reaction.   It should be everyone's choice as an American citizen to decide whether or not to get the vaccine.  If I choose not to get vaccinated, I choose the risk of infection.  Much like if I choose to smoke, I risk lung caner.  If I choose to bake in the sun unprotected, I risk skin cancer.  If I choose to swim when the red flag is up, I risk drowning.  If I choose to drive without wearing a seat belt, I risk greater injury if there is an accident.  It is my choice, not the government's choice to make.