Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccines are not acceptable

By Rick Dzida

It is not a secret that COVID-19 vaccines have saved lives. It is also scientifically proven that those who have been fully vaccinated have high chances of survival whenever they contract the coronavirus.

We therefore encourage all citizens of Malawi to get fully jabbed as soon as possible. Malawians should be discouraged from believing some myths about COVID 19.

Facts about COVID 19 vaccines

The following are the facts about COVID 19 vaccines that should encourage any Malawian to get COVID 19 inoculation as soon as possible:

1. Experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine reduces your risk of serious COVID-19 infection if you do contract COVID-19.
2. The development of the COVID-19 vaccines was rigorously tested and therefore COVID 19 vaccines are safe.
3. No deaths have been linked to people receiving any of the vaccines during the various COVID-19 vaccine trials. However, all vaccines have side effects too.
4. COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any of the live virus that causes COVID-19 so it CANNOT give you COVID-19. It is safe.
5. Even if you are young and healthy, and not in the high-risk category for severe COVID-19 illness, you still need COVID-19 vaccine. However, as current research shows, these antibodies remain in the body for three to six months and therefore you still need COVID 19 to boost your immunity against the virus.
6. The side effects of COVID 19 vaccines such as injection reactions, tiredness, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, and fever are short-lived.
7. Once vaccinated, continue taking preventive measures such as wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing.
8. Having a COVID-19 vaccine will NOT alter your DNA.
9. Receiving the vaccine does not make you more susceptible to COVID-19 or other illnesses.
10. COVID-19 vaccines do not contain foetal cells from aborted foetuses. However, while foetal cell lines are used in vaccine development such as AstraZeneca, there are no foetal cell lines inside the injections of authorised COVID-19 vaccines that are given to people.
11. There is currently no evidence to substantiate that COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility in women.
12. Malawi Government is committed to saving lives and livelihoods by procuring COVID 19 vaccines. There are no dubious and secret transactions.
13. COVID-19 vaccines have absolutely no link to any religious organisation, mark of the beast or any belief.
14. COVID-19 vaccines do not contain microchips. Vaccines are developed to fight against disease and are not administered to track your movement

Reasons why COVID 19 vaccines should not be compulsory

Despite the positive strides towards COVID 19 vaccine, it is not necessary to force people to take such vaccines for the following reasons:

1. There are still uncertainties on the efficacy of the vaccine. A fully vaccinated person is still prone to contracting the virus and can also potentially spread the virus.
2. Even if you are fully vaccinated, you still have to bother about observing the precautionary measures such as masking , sanitising and social distance.
3. Much as the government wants to achieve the population immunity, many citizens are suspicious of such moves.
4. Forcing people to undergo a vaccination procedure is tantamount to infringement of one’s constitutional rights. An human being must have a control over his own body.
5. Our Constitution also respects freedoms of association ,beliefs and religion. It is a violation of such freedoms if vaccines are forced on people.
6. Experts are not sure how long the vaccines can protect the human being due to the mutating nature of the virus. It is this uncertainty that does not motivate anyone to be forced to take the jab.
7. Limited data is currently available on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women

All in all, let us encourage one another to be vaccinated but mandatory COVID 19 vaccines are unacceptable.

Resources; https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines, https://www.healthtap.com/coronavirus-vaccines-safety/ and https://www.discovery.co.za/corporate/covid-19-vaccines-myths-debunked?lmsc=&lmss=&lmsm=&gclid=CjwKCAiAn5uOBhADEiwA_pZwcB1msvt1YGh2sp29rDDAMCDihHIgmOIUQxn9tAsbqhhu26HoVq79VxoCKeAQAvD_BwE

Feedback to: Rick Dzida, email: rdzida@gmx.com