and while we consider all of these arguments, it s worth remembering compulsory vaccines didn t arrive with this pandemic. back in the 19th century, vaccine mandates were used widely in europe to tackle smallpox. right now, many healthcare workers are told they have to get the flu vaccine. vaccine mandates have saved many lives, and the greek prime minister hopes this approach can work for covid. he is announcing compulsory vaccines for the over 60s. translation: i have no doubt that this political decision - will save human lives because vaccination becomes more than just compulsory. it saves lives. it s necessary for health. it s necessary for the whole society. there is a scientific consensus that higher covid vaccination rates are desirable, but there s no consensus about whether to compel people to get vaccinated is a good idea, and the world health organization in europe has this warning. translation: mandates around vaccination are an absolute last i
eroding trust in doctors is a possible risk if vaccines are mandated, and another argument against doing this is that covid isn t the only cause of pressure on healthcare systems. in an article in the guardian newspaper, professorjulian savulescu is quoted saying: though some would say covid vaccines are being used precisely to avoid healthcare collapse. and while we consider all of these arguments, it s worth remembering compulsory vaccines didn t arrive with this pandemic. back in the 19th century, vaccine mandates were used widely in europe to tackle smallpox. right now, many healthcare workers are told they have to get the flu vaccine. vaccine mandates have saved many lives, and the greek prime minister hopes this approach can work for covid. he is announcing compulsory vaccines for the over 60s.