SS oo, noe ae MIKE SHIRKEY “prone in a-ene SENATE MAJORITY LEADER FS oaeenee MICHIGAN SENATE rikeshrkey@sonatemictigan gov August 11, 2021 University of Michigan Dr. Mark S, Schlissel, President 2074 Fleming Administration Building 503 Thompson Street ‘Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1340 Dear Dr. Schlissel, J am writing to request further explanation and dialogue on your respective institutions’ decision to require students to be vaccinated for the upcoming school year. Writing on behalf of concemed parents, students and taxpayers about these mandates, we must better understand the big-picture objective of such mandates. Stated frankly, is the goal health or is it elimination of risk? ‘As I am sure you are aware, much of the research suggests that most college-age individuals are not at risk of a severe negative outcome if they are infected, And it is possible that interrupting their ability to develop natural immunity may actually be counterproductive to their future health, I request that you please share the references and resources used to formulate your directive, so my colleagues and I can better understand the basis of it, Furthermore, a vaccine-alone strategy to public health is incomplete. The science is sound around well-established methods for maximizing resilience to illness such as exercise, sleep, proper nutrition and vitamins and minerals. A well-rounded strategy for keeping student populations healthy and well must include wellness information and resources. Additionally, what has your institution done to study or share a growing list of safe and easily available non-vaccine treatment options?? It is distressing to see such elite and highly-regarded institutions disregard the well-documented seience on herd immunity and natural immunity. Prestigious and reputable universities such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Columbia have researched the actual number of people who have likely gotten COVID. A conservative interpretation of their collective research would lead you to believe the number of people who have gotten COVID in Michigan is at least roughly double what is reported by DHHS.Ifyou were to add the number of employect and expected students who have been vaccinated fo the number of the same who have naturally equired immunity upon having recovered from COVID, that aggregate number would very keh) be in the low to mid 80%'s, which meets virtually every science-based definition of herd immunity. ‘Adeitionally, despite the growing body of research that naturally acquired immunity is as good as or better than vaccinated immunity, Lam Jgtressed that your institution has chosen to ignore itt bring this up primarily because 1 fear the Fixation 1 vaccination pushes out any other approach that may turn out to be more effective, less oatly, of have fewer negative side effects than vaceination-alone. So, again I ask, what is your overall goal? Zer0 risk is simply not feasible. {thank you for your time and your thoughtful consideration of these concems. I look forward to thoughtful, open and honest dialogue on this important matter. Sincerely, Mike Shirkey 16th Senate Dist Senate Majority Leader