by Dr Ho Ting Fei
As Singapore moves forward to allow those vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus to resume normal life and activities, it is also timely that two individuals gave voice to the unvaccinated by telling us their side of the story (Divergent lives from tomorrow for the vaccinated and unvaccinated. ST 9 Aug).
It is unfortunate that the unvaccinated continue to be singled out for finger-pointing and negative remarks; even being blatantly called “laggards” in a derogatory manner. More unfortunately, the people who use such language and words are professionals and academics.
Besides the two persons above there are many more unvaccinated people with legitimate reasons for their decision towards vaccination. I can safely say that these people are not irresponsible and certainly not illiterate, ignorant or laggards. They too want to be protected from the Covid-19 virus; they too do not want to be seriously ill and lying in an intensive care unit. They want to receive a vaccine that is safe and with minimal side effects. Is this too much to ask for?
Do we care to patiently listen and give these unvaccinated people space to voice their concerns and room to make a decision? Or are we too hasty to alienate them and even hold out a stick to penalize them?
We continue to read in the media that the unvaccinated are irresponsible. They are at much higher risk of infecting others and hence lead to an upsurge of cases. They may also spread the infection to vaccinated persons who are at risk. The underlying implication is obvious. When new infections occur or a new wave of infections arises or when restrictions have to be implemented once again, blame these on the unvaccinated individuals.
Are such assumptions well-founded? There is an unprecedented rise in medical reports and publications on Covid-19. Many of these are complex and multidisciplinary. Hence it is highly possible that, in trying to understand the conclusions in these publications, the less informed may miss out flaws and inaccuracies.
With majority of the population now vaccinated, the proof of whether the vaccinated are truly much less infectious to others and less likely to be infected will not take long to become obvious. Till then, let us be more discerning, more socially and morally sensitive by not regarding the unvaccinated as laggards or, worse still, as outcasts.
This is an opinion piece from a member of the public, and does not reflect TOC’s position on any matter.
