Tag: compulsory vaccination

Compulsory vaccination was first introduced in the UK – where no vaccines are currently mandated – through the 1853 Vaccination Act. The law required that all children ‘whose health permits’ be vaccinated against smallpox, and obliged physicians to certify that vaccination had taken place. Parents who refused vaccination could be fined £1. Enforcing compulsion of vaccination at, for example, schools would also be far from straightforward. Another layer of bureaucracy would have to be set up. Religious objections would have to be respected. There are also libertarian arguments to consider. Some will argue this would be a step too far for state intervention in family life. Regarding COVID-19, this could still go a long way. Although a lot of scientists, bioethicists suggests that “this would be the most effective and most ethical way to slowly return to normal life”, we must remember that we do not trample on someone's rights.