Refusing the Covid-19 vaccine isn’t clever, says Vegter. ‘Taking it is ‘right thing to do’ - Biznews
26 January 2021 - When South Africans finally get access to a vaccine (who knows when), you have a right to refuse it. But that doesn’t mean refusing is either clever or morally justifiable.
As countries across the world implement successful Covid-19 vaccine programmes, South Africa is yet to receive its first batch. Understandably, this has outraged many South Africans. But some couldn’t be less interested. ‘Anti-vaxxers‘, as they’re known, are vehemently opposed to taking the life-saving vaccine. Quite simply, the only way to put an end to the pandemic is through herd immunity – which relies heavily on the vaccination of the population. In the opinion piece below, Ivo Vegter goes through the various objections anti-vaxxers may have, as well as the rational case for getting vaccinated. ‘Not only is it the smart thing to do, it is the right thing to do.
As countries across the world implement successful Covid-19 vaccine programmes, South Africa is yet to receive its first batch. Understandably, this has outraged many South Africans. But some couldn’t be less interested. ‘Anti-vaxxers‘, as they’re known, are vehemently opposed to taking the life-saving vaccine. Quite simply, the only way to put an end to the pandemic is through herd immunity – which relies heavily on the vaccination of the population. In the opinion piece below, Ivo Vegter goes through the various objections anti-vaxxers may have, as well as the rational case for getting vaccinated. ‘
Not only is it the smart thing to do, it is the right thing to do. I’ll go further: those who refuse to get vaccinated without good medical grounds, and those who advocate against being vaccinated on spurious grounds, will actively harm – and kill – other people. Whichever way you slice it, that is morally reprehensible’, says Vegter.