Billboards Are Warning Texas Drivers 'Don't Be Bullied' Into Vaccinations

New billboards in Texas are warning drivers "DON'T BE BULLIED" into taking the COVID-19 vaccine as the debate continues over mandates.

The billboards have appeared throughout September in places including San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas and Waco, KENS-TV, a local television news station, reported. They are paid for by the Minnesota-based group Citizens' Council for Health Freedom (CCHF).

"Don't be bullied," the billboard read. "Make an informed choice."

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg told KENS that he is not aware of anyone who feels they are being bulled by vaccination efforts.

"I'd love to visit about that because what you're hearing in terms about people encouraging others to get vaccinated is to protect the health of person and the people around them," he told the news station.

He said the billboards raise "questions" about why a Minnesota-based organization would purchase billboards in Texas.

"Clearly, they have a political agenda," Nirenberg said.

CCHF announced the billboard campaign in August. The campaign claims to raise "awareness and building resistance to the vaccination mandates." In addition to the Texas billboards, the group has put up billboards in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Idaho.

The campaign points to breakthrough cases as being one of their reasons for opposing mandates, saying, "Bullying is taking place despite the fact that people who have gotten the shot are still getting sick."

However, while breakthrough cases occur, they remain rare, and vaccination can lessen the chances of severe illness if a vaccinated person becomes infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"There is evidence that vaccination may make illness less severe for those who are vaccinated and still get sick," the CDC's website reads. "The risk of infection, hospitalization, and death are all much lower in vaccinated people compared to unvaccinated."

The billboards come as lawmakers continue to debate over vaccine mandates.

President Joe Biden announced earlier in September that business with at least 100 employees would be required to mandate the vaccine among workers, prompting swift backlash from Republicans and others who do not support vaccine mandates.

Opponents have vocally protested the requirements. One group of protesters stormed a food court in the New York City borough of Staten Island, chanting, "Vaccinated or unvaccinated, we are all one people." Police unions have also voiced concern about the mandates.

Biden has defended the mandate, expressing disappointment in the backlash.

"I am disappointed that, particularly some Republican governors, have been so cavalier with the health of these kids—cavalier with the health of their communities. We're playing for real here—this isn't a game," he said.

"I don't know of any scientist out there that doesn't think it makes considerable sense."