There has been a great deal of handwringing over the issue (of mandatory vaccinations for health-care workers), and yet I have to wonder, why?
We require chefs to store food correctly. We expect them to wash their hands after using the bathroom. If they didn’t, no one would blink if they lost their jobs.
READ MORE: All health care workers in B.C. must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 26: Henry
Here are the reasons I think mandatory immunizations are required in healthcare.
We trust our healthcare workers to have a solid grasp of science obtained from peer reviewed journals, not conspiracy science websites. If they don’t, why should we trust their judgment?
We are not infringing on their rights in any way. They can choose not to immunize, but they’ll have to find other employment.
We healthcare workers treat the vulnerable. We shouldn’t be increasing their risk by refusing to be immunized.
Lastly, the pandemic has affected access to healthcare negatively. If we are ever going to return to something approaching normal, it is time to talk less of individual rights, and more of responsibility to others. Healthcare is a team sport. If you’re not going to follow the playbook, it’s time to get off the team.
Take this from one who has treated the effects of COVID. It’s no hoax.
Jon Slater
• Send your letter to the editor via email to editor@theprogress.com. Please include your first and last name, address, and phone number.
• READ MORE: Chilliwack Progress Letters
