KSTP/Survey USA poll: A majority of Minnesotans favor mandatory high school COVID vaccinations

Minnesotans view the idea of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for high school students far differently than they do for middle school and elementary school students.

According to our KSTP/SurveyUSA poll, 56% of 675 Minnesotans in a cross-section of demographics say they support mandatory vaccinations, while 44% oppose the idea.

When it comes to middle school students, the numbers are much closer, but a slim majority, 51% oppose vaccinations for 6th-8th-grade students, while 49% support such a move. For elementary students in kindergarten to 5th grade, a big majority — 61% — oppose mandatory vaccinations while just 39% support the idea.

"I think that people want their kids in school. They want them safe. But it’s always… so hard to say government should mandate you do something that is a medical issue," Republican strategist Brian McDaniels said in an interview recorded for "At Issue."

Former DFL Party Chair Brian Melendez said he’s not surprised many people think high school students should be vaccinated.

"I would think you would want high school students who are circulating more widely than younger students," he said. "You want to make sure they are not spreading the virus."

You can see a recap of all our KSTP/SurveyUSA results Sunday morning at 10 a.m. on "At Issue" with Tom Hauser.