PASOTI

I agree the government has a duty to protect the vulnerable but only an authoritarian government would feel comfortable introducing enforced vaccinations.

As you suggest, if a scheme were introduced that you were only able to attend certain social gatherings by producing a proof of immunity / vaccination certificate then that would solve the problem.

Mike E wrote: I agree the government has a duty to protect the vulnerable but only an authoritarian government would feel comfortable introducing enforced vaccinations.

As you suggest, if a scheme were introduced that you were only able to attend social certain social gatherings by producing a proof of immunity certificate then that would solve the problem.

All very sensible in theory, but even the experts say they don't know if the vaccine stops you from transmitting the disease or just helps you fight it. They are also unclear how long any immunity would last.
Logistically, this will not be a quick fix. Assuming they follow the provisional plan of older and most vulnerable first, it will take a long time to get to the under 50's etc. Do we exclude them from these events?

Mike E wrote: I agree the government has a duty to protect the vulnerable but only an authoritarian government would feel comfortable introducing enforced vaccinations.

So you think it was wrong when the UK brought in mandatory vaccination for smallpox in the 19th Century?

Quinny wrote:

Mike E wrote: I agree the government has a duty to protect the vulnerable but only an authoritarian government would feel comfortable introducing enforced vaccinations.

So you think it was wrong when the UK brought in mandatory vaccination for smallpox in the 19th Century?

No I don't think it is wrong for a government to do what it can to protect it's people. However we live in a totally different country to that of the 19th century. The ordinary man in the street accepted his lot, his station and the authority that came from above back then. For better or worse the average man or woman in the street nowadays has far more rights and freedom of choice to decide their own destiny.

Personally I would accept a government decision for mandatory vaccination, but firstly cannot see any modern day government brave enough to make that decision and secondly cannot see the punters of today accepting it without protesting against their freedom of choice.

I personally feel that, even though I hate the things, our government should have made it mandatory for us all to wear masks, certainly in public enclosed spaces right from the start, but also accept our 'freedom loving' culture wouldn't tolerate it, unlike some country's in East Asia where it is routine.