Introduction
It is important to note that the Catholic Social Teaching (CST) principles determine the morality or immorality of any action, including vaccines. The reading titled ‘Catholic Moral Teaching and Tradition on COVID-19 Vaccines’ provides insight and analysis on why COVID-19 vaccines are not immoral to take. The key CST elements invoked in the reading are the Call to Family, Community, Participation, and Life and Dignity of the Human Person.
Discussion
Firstly, the article invokes the CST principle of Call to Family, Community, and Participation. It is stated that it is welcome to “receive a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine for the sake of oneself, our loved ones, and the common good” (Catholic Legislative Network par. 9). In other words, taking a vaccine carries a form of social responsibility, which corresponds to the call to family, community, and participation. Secondly, the article invokes the CST principle of Life and Dignity of the Human Person. According to the text, people not willing to be vaccinated “must do their utmost to avoid … becoming vehicles for the transmission of the infectious agent” (Catholic Legislative Network par. 10). Thus, human well-being enhancement is a priority, and the unvaccinated do the opposite. The CST of Preferential Option for the Poor was not invoked, which might have been argued as providing vaccine access to the poorest nations and people of the world first.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Call to Family, Community, Participation, and Life and Dignity of the Human Person were the core CST elements invoked in the article. Thus, the evident non-invoked CST principle was the Preferential Option for the Poor, where access distribution could have been addressed. It should be noted that both invoked teachings were done so by addressing social responsibility and prioritizing human well-being.
Work Cited
Catholic Legislative Network. “Catholic Moral Teaching and Tradition on COVID-19 Vaccines.” California Catholic Conference, 2020, Web.