Should doctors be required to take the COVID-19 vaccine? In March The BMJ took on that question and determined that, although it’s not mandatory in most places, yet, “ethically, clinically, epidemiologically,” if you’re a doctor, you’re duty-bound to get it.
“The ethical case is grounded in the professional duty health care workers have to protect their patients,” and doctors should lead by example, a commenter for the BMJ says. “The evidence on covid-19 vaccines is clear: They are safe and they work.”
At least one dissenter begs to differ. Staff and other health service personnel who are taking the vaccine are getting sick, and are out for days and sometimes weeks after their shots, K. Polyakova, a London consultant, writes.
“The levels of sickness after vaccination is unprecedented and staff are getting very sick and some with neurological symptoms which is having a huge impact on the health service function. Even the young and healthy are off for days, some for weeks, and some requiring medical treatment. Whole teams are being taken out as they went to get vaccinated together.”
Yet, the morbidities and side effects are not being reported, and Polyakova wants some answers. “What has happened to ‘my body, my choice?’ Mandatory vaccination in this instance is stupid, unethical and irresponsible when it comes to protecting our staff and public health,” Polyakova says.
SOURCES:
The BMJ April 2, 2021
The BMJ March 29, 2021