Introduction
A morally and ethically complex issue that is part of the discussion on coronavirus concerns vaccination. On the one hand, the responsibilities of members of society prescribe a liable attitude towards their own health and the health of others (Ethical Reasoning in Action, 2021, 00:08:15-00:09:00). On the other hand, every person has the right to dispose of their body as they wish. Correct behavior in this situation is considered vaccinated, and this correctness is determined by society under the influence of propaganda. Two conflicting concepts, freedom and responsibility, are chosen to analyze the ethically complex topic of vaccinating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Freedom vs. Responsibility: The Ethical Dilemma of Vaccination
Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is an ethical issue, as two important societal concepts, freedom and responsibility, conflict in this matter. It is the duty of the members of society to treat each other with respect and care for the common welfare (Giritli Nygren & Olofsson, 2020). At the same time, members of society can associate the right, or freedom, with the observance of bodily autonomy.
Vaccination as a Moral Duty and a Public Health Imperative
The correct behavior in this situation is dictated by understanding the common good, which is focused on the choice to be vaccinated (Boschiero, 2021). The correctness of vaccination is determined by public pressure, in fear of infection, and by the government, which is interested in ending the pandemic. Nevertheless, vaccination is a responsible attitude towards one’s and others’ health (Bohm et al., 2019). This self-responsible approach contributes to society’s and the individual’s well-being, manifested in preserving health and a positive attitude towards others.
Moral Controversies and Conflicting Beliefs about Bodily Autonomy
Vaccination causes moral controversy, based on social pressure, fear, awareness of responsibility, and upholding personal freedom. Different groups of people see this issue in different ways, with opinions ranging from recognizing the proven need for vaccination to considering this process a violation of bodily integrity. There is no way to resolve these moral conflicts, as they stem from personal beliefs and involve attitudes towards the public good, bodily autonomy, and trust in government.
The Clash of Reliable and Unreliable Arguments in Vaccine Debates
At the same time, both sides in the dispute can use reliable and unreliable arguments to prove their position. Vaccination advocates draw on historical experience that only general immunity has defeated some previously deadly diseases. Opponents of vaccination fear the vaccine’s unproven efficacy and oppose the requirements that violate bodily autonomy (Sax, 2022). Both parties are entitled to their point of view, but quarrels can lead to disastrous consequences regarding public safety.
Personal Reflection
As part of my education and personal experience, I have developed my own position on this issue, which favors vaccination. Acquiring herd immunity is the only way to defeat such diseases (Jung, 2021). Refusal to vaccinate cannot remain private when the price of such a choice threatens public health. In my opinion, the decision to get vaccinated is the choice of a responsible person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the most morally controversial topic related to the coronavirus is vaccination. The issue is ethically complex as it concerns social responsibility and personal freedoms. On the one hand, the imposition of vaccination can be perceived as violating bodily autonomy. On the other hand, vaccination is considered the only way to fight the pandemic. It is impossible to resolve these contradictions, despite the fact that the choice to be vaccinated is a manifestation of personal responsibility for one’s and others’ health.
References
Bohm, R., Meier, N. W., Gros, M., Korn, L., & Betsch, C. (2019). The willingness to vaccinate increases when vaccination protects others who have low responsibility for not being vaccinated. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 42(1), 381-391. Web.
Boschiero, N. (2021). Covid-19 vaccines as global common goods: An integrated approach of ethical, economic policy and intellectual property management. Global Jurist, 22(2), 177-230. Web.
Ethical Reasoning in Action. (2021). JMU’s ethical reasoning strategy: Eight key questions [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Giritli Nygren, K., & Olofsson, A. (2020). Managing the Covid-19 pandemic through individual responsibility: the consequences of a world risk society and enhanced ethopolitics. Journal of Risk Research, 23(7-8), 1031-1035. Web.
Jung, J. (2021). Preparing for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination: Evidence, plans, and implications. Journal of Korean Medical Science, 36(7), 59-79. Web.
Sax, J. K. (2022). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and (mis) perception of risk. American Journal of Law & Medicine, 48(1), 54-90. Web.