The Government this week told frontline NHS staff they will have to have compulsory Covid vaccines, probably by April 1 next year.
Reporter Catalina Constantin sounded out the opinions of De Montfort University students and staff about the controversial demand on NHS staff to be fully vaccinated.
Ammarah Khan, a 19-year-old Diagnostic Radiography first year student, who has been double-vaccinated, said: “I think it’s a good idea for staff members to get vaccinated because it protects students who might be vulnerable to it, for example asthmatic students and there are some older students as well.”
Dianne Gozum, another 19-year-old Diagnostic Radiography first year student, who has also been vaccinated twice , said: “I agree with the approach of using the vaccine to save the ‘wider society’.
“The vaccine still has flaws and there are disadvantages that could put people at risks in terms of side effects.”
Jay Makadia, 31, who is doing his PhD in Cocrystallisation, agrees with the compulsory Covid vaccines. He said: “They are treating patients everyday so they could spread it. It is fair. I got vaccinated myself. Everyone should get vaccinated. We need to stop the spread of the disease.”
Carlo Breda, 39, a lecturer in biomedical science who is doing active research, believes the vaccine has to be enforced especially for people that work in NHS.
“They are the frontline. They don’t just protect themselves but also the people that are under their care. It should be important for them,” says Carlo.
Omar Mansour, 32, a Senior Lecturer in Cosmetic Science, views this topic as a tricky one because the government has to weigh the benefits of the NHS staff getting vaccinated and the risks of the patients getting infected.
“There is a personal freedom option there. You wouldn’t force people to go get a vaccination for the flu or for any other disease that was classed as a pandemic at some point,” says Omar.
Omar thinks it is a good step forward because it is protecting everyone and the side effects have been known for over a year now.
“I still appreciate the other side of ‘don’t force me’ but given the circumstances, especially in the hospital environment, it is needed,” says Omar.
Pharmacy Professor Randolph Arroo, 60, said: “I’m all for it because the NHS staff work with vulnerable people and they should take any precaution to cause any harm to people. I did get vaccinated. Twice.
“Get vaccinated, that’s my main message, don’t leave it and rely on others to be vaccinated.
It’s worse to get a disease than to go with the risk of getting something from vaccination.
“I wish I could shout to people that they should get vaccinated. They must get vaccinated. It is the best for the society. For the group. Don’t forget about your precautions.”
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