Position Paper

POSITION PAPER
GEC-STS
Should COVID-19 Vaccination be Mandatory to All?
SUBMITTED BY:
RIVERA, CRIS NORMAN Z.
BEED 2-B
PRESENTED TO:
MR. BRIAN N. UNABIA
January 12, 2024

Should COVID-19 vaccination be mandatory to all? Yes or No?
I have been closely following the ongoing global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this position paper, I will present my personal beliefs and arguments on the question of
whether COVID-19 vaccination should be mandatory for all individuals. I will provide evidence
and logical reasoning to support my stance, while also acknowledging the ethical considerations
and potential challenges associated with mandating vaccinations.
I strongly believe that COVID-19 vaccination should be made mandatory for all
individuals due to the numerous benefits it offers in controlling the spread of the virus, protecting
public health, and saving lives. Vaccination has a long history of being one of the most effective
public health interventions, eradicating diseases and preventing countless deaths (World Health
Organization, 2021).
First and foremost, mandatory vaccination can significantly reduce the transmission of
COVID-19 within communities. Vaccines have been proven to be highly effective in preventing
infection and reducing the severity of symptoms. By achieving high vaccination rates, we can
establish herd immunity, which protects those who are unable to receive the vaccine due to
medical reasons or compromised immune systems (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
2021).
Furthermore, mandatory COVID-19 vaccination can help alleviate the burden on

healthcare systems. By reducing the number of severe cases and hospitalizations, we can ensure
that healthcare resources are available for those in need. This approach can prevent
overwhelming healthcare systems, as witnessed during the peak of the pandemic (World Health
Organization, 2021).
In addition to the direct health benefits, mandatory vaccination can have positive
economic impacts. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to economies
worldwide. By achieving high vaccination rates, we can expedite the return to normalcy, reopen
businesses, and restore economic stability. This can alleviate the financial hardships faced by
individuals, families, and businesses (World Bank, 2021).
Critics of mandatory vaccination often raise concerns about individual freedoms and
personal autonomy. They argue that individuals should have the right to make their own choices
regarding their health. While personal autonomy is important, it is crucial to balance individual
rights with the collective responsibility to protect public health. The decision to mandate
vaccinations should be based on scientific evidence, expert recommendations, and careful
consideration of the greater good (World Health Organization, 2021).
Ethical considerations surrounding mandatory vaccination must also be taken into
account. It is essential to ensure equitable access to vaccines, addressing any barriers or
disparities that may exist. Efforts should be made to provide accurate information, address
vaccine hesitancy, and ensure that individuals have the necessary support and resources to make
informed decisions (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2020).
Moreover, legal frameworks and regulations should be established to govern the

implementation of mandatory vaccination. These frameworks should consider exemptions for
medical reasons and religious or philosophical beliefs, while ensuring that the overall public
health goals are not compromised (World Health Organization, 2021).
In terms of public safety, mandatory COVID-19 vaccination can help protect vulnerable
populations, such as the elderly, individuals with underlying health conditions, and those who are
unable to receive the vaccine due to medical reasons. By ensuring high vaccination rates, we can
create a shield of protection around these individuals and reduce the risk of severe illness or
death (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).
Furthermore, mandatory vaccination can contribute to the restoration of normalcy in our

daily lives. It can facilitate the reopening of schools, universities, and other educational
institutions, allowing students to resume in-person learning and social interactions. It can also
support the safe return to workplaces, enabling economic recovery and reducing the social and
economic disparities exacerbated by the pandemic (World Bank, 2021).
Addressing concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy is crucial. COVID-19 vaccines
have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Regulatory bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health
Organization (WHO), have approved vaccines based on extensive clinical trials and scientific
evidence. Continuous monitoring and surveillance systems are in place to detect and address any
potential adverse effects (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).
In conclusion, I firmly believe that COVID-19 vaccination should be made mandatory for
all individuals. The benefits of widespread vaccination in controlling the spread of the virus,
protecting public health, and saving lives outweigh the concerns regarding individual freedoms.
However, it is crucial to address ethical considerations, ensure equitable access to vaccines, and
establish appropriate legal frameworks to govern the implementation of mandatory vaccination.
By taking a collective approach and prioritizing public health, we can overcome the challenges
posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and move towards a healthier and safer future.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). COVID-19 Vaccines. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2020). Framework for Equitable
Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine. Retrieved from https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-
work/a-framework-for-equitable-allocation-of-vaccine-for-the-novel-coronavirus
World Bank. (2021). World Bank Group COVID-19 Response. Retrieved from
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2021/03/17/world-bank-group-covid-19-response
World Health Organization. (2021). COVID-19 Vaccines. Retrieved from

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines

Position Paper

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Position Paper

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Position Paper

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

POSITION PAPER

Should COVID-19 Vaccination be Mandatory to All?

January 12, 2024

Furthermore, mandatory COVID-19 vaccination can help alleviate the burden on

Moreover, legal frameworks and regulations should be established to govern the

Furthermore, mandatory vaccination can contribute to the restoration of normalcy in our

World Health Organization. (2021). COVID-19 Vaccines. Retrieved from

You might also like