In its most recent report, the national ethics commission concludes that with the passing of time and the growing number of available vaccine doses, there is no way around a vaccine certificate. The commission welcomes the idea of a European model, the so-called Digital Green Certificate, although this means that the document may eventually replace negative PCR tests in travel.
At this moment in time, the commission is still against awarding advantages to vaccinated people since the national campaign has not yet provided the majority of citizens with a jab. Nevertheless, they support the eventual use of an internationally recognised certificate, but emphasise that it should not be regarded as a “privilege passport”.
Having freedom is not a privilege, but a right, the commission underlines. Similarly, access to the vaccine should be considered a right, which is why it is important to provide people with an invitation as soon as possible.
The commission’s report also draws attention to the fact that restrictions will eventually have to be reviewed and designed with more nuance.
Over time, vaccinated people should thus be allowed to meet considering that the injection proves an act of solidarity. However, as long as the vaccine is not yet widely available, the government has to continue treating everybody equally.
The commission further advocates for a consideration of making the vaccine mandatory in some occupations. Health care workers for instance are regularly in contact with vulnerable people. Similarly, Covid tests could be made mandatory, as the commission believes it to be a civic duty to help uncover the spread of the virus.
Mandatory vaccinations may not be a popular idea in politics, but are not definitely ethically wrong, the commission finally highlights. Every jab is a step closer towards reaching herd immunity, which is necessary if everybody is to receive their full freedom again.
