COMPULSORY COVID-19 VACCINES ARE ‘AN ABSOLUTE LAST RESORT’ -WHO

Tue 07 December 2021:

Covid-19 vaccine mandates are still a controversial subject, and the issue is as relevant as ever as the globe grapples with not only the delta variant but also fears about the spread of omicron, a virus mutation whose risk profile is mostly unknown.

As some governments are considering, or have already stated, that they will introduce compulsory vaccinations.

Experts say there are a number of ethical questions to consider regarding vaccine mandates.

On Tuesday, WHO Europe Director Dr. Hans Kluge stepped in on the controversial subject, cautioning that compulsory vaccinations should be a last resort.

“Mandates around vaccination are an absolute last resort, and only applicable when all other feasible options to improve vaccination uptake have been exhausted,” Kluge said. They should not be done “if one has not reached out first to the communities” involved, he said at a press briefing.

Mandates “have proven effective in some environments to increase vaccine uptake,” Kluge said, but added, “the effectiveness of vaccine mandates is very context-specific. The effect mandating vaccines could have on public confidence and public trust, as well as vaccination uptake, must be considered.”

He cautioned that what is acceptable in one society or community may not be in another.

“Ultimately, mandates should never contribute to increasing social inequalities in access to health and social services. Any measure that might restrict a right or a movement of a person, such as lockdowns or mandates, needs to be sure that mental health and wellbeing is cared for,” he said.

“The Delta variant remains dominant across Europe and Central Asia, and we know that the COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in reducing severe disease and deaths from it,” Klunge told a virtual press briefing giving updates on the COVID-19 situation in Europe.

The WHO’s Europe region comprises 53 countries and territories, including several in Central Asia.

Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, said last week that it was time to “think about mandatory vaccination” in the EU, where member governments can impose vaccine mandates.

Austria has announced that mandatory vaccinations would be implemented next year, while Greece has announced that everyone aged 60 or older will be fined 100 euros ($114) each month if they do not get vaccinated. To avoid the fine, over-60s must have had their first dose of coronavirus vaccine before Jan. 16.

Germany’s outgoing government has also suggested that mandatory vaccinations be implemented.

Indonesia made Covid vaccinations compulsory for its citizens earlier this year with Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia (introducing compulsory shots for anyone wishing to enter a workplace).

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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