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After being confined to our homes for the better part of last year, finally hearing that there was a vaccine for the deadly Covid-19 virus was like a ray of light in a dark tunnel for most of us.
Of course, we had plenty of questions about the effects they would have on us and what it meant health-wise. We learned that getting the vaccine did not mean you were immune to the virus, and you still had to adhere to COVID-19 safety measures. However, many people were (and still are) on the fence about getting the vaccine, especially with fear-inducing information being circulated among "Wozzap" groups.
Some governments mandated that front-line workers should be given priority before other groups of people for the vaccination since there were only a few doses available at first. However, a few months down the line, vaccination has been opened up to the masses, and people's enthusiasm for the jab has somewhat increased.
Most workplaces have encouraged their employees to get vaccinated and even facilitate vaccination right from their offices.
However, this has caused some people to wonder if failing to get the jab could mean losing their jobs. This is a reasonable concern because some people believe that those who have not received the vaccine are endangering their colleagues.
So, are there laws surrounding COVID-19 vaccination in the workplace?
Well, technically, your boss cannot force you to get vaccinated or fire you for not getting the jab. They can only encourage you to do so and leave you to decide for yourself. However, if your boss wants you to travel for work-related purposes to a country where you need proof of vaccination upon entry, there might be a grey area. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether to get the jab to travel for work.
What if I don't want to get the vaccine? That is your decision, and you are entitled to refuse vaccination without giving a reason. There is no need to inform your employer about your vaccination status.
In conclusion, the Covid-19 vaccination is entirely voluntary, so the decision is up to you. I think we have everything to gain by getting the jab; after all, it is practically everything we asked for when we were on lockdown last year (that, and reasonable curfew hours).
What do you think? Should employers make vaccination against COVID-19 compulsory for employees? Share your thoughts in the comment section below