Issues with Mandatory Vaccination

Synopsis:  

Vaccination is a prerequisite for tackling the Pandemic. However, mandatory vaccination interferes with a person’s right to integrity and his/her personal choice. Therefore, focus should be placed on using persuasive techniques rather than coercing the masses for vaccination.  

Background:  

• The easing of second wave has induced the states to relax the nearly-two-month long lockdown.   
• Nonetheless, the safety imperative has led some authorities to make vaccination a prerequisite for the resuming business operations.  

Mandatory Orders issued by State Governments:  

• On 24th June, the Gujarat government issued an ultimatum to “managers, owners and staff of business establishments” to either get vaccinated or close shops.  
• Mandatory vaccination policies are also in place in some parts of UP and the Northeast. The orders are based on the belief that no one is safe till everyone is safe.  

Verdicts over Mandatory Vaccination:  

• In April, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) held that “mandatory vaccination interferes with a person’s right to integrity”. However, such interference may be justified if considered necessary to control the spread of infectious diseases.   
• On 24th June, the Meghalaya High Court deduced that ‘Vaccination by force destroys the fundamental purpose of the welfare attached to it.   
• Both verdicts speak the language of persuasion and reiterate the importance of accessible information and informed consent. 
• The ECHR talks of incentives to marginalized groups. While the Meghalaya court has asked all shops, business houses, and commercial vehicles to put on display the Covid-19 vaccination status of their employees at a noticeable place.  

Way Forward:  

• Vaccine hesitancy is a manifestation of the people’s lack of trust in the health system. It can be reduced to some extent by ensuring ease of access to the vaccination shots.  
• The industry and business associations should be allowed to inoculate workers at the level of the shop floor as problem of vaccine shortage has been overcome.   
• Governments may still need to resort to disincentives. But the state’s main concern should be inclusiveness, not using its strong arm as a blunt instrument.  

Source: Indian Express