Should vaccination against COVID-19 be obligatory?

Vaccines simulate the virus or bacteria that cause illness, and the body
responds by producing antibodies. These antibodies will defend a person once
they have been infected with the disease-causing virus or bacteria. Considering
the current situation of the Philippines, vaccines are very crucial in our battle
against the Covid-19 pandemic. They serve as one of our shields against these
infectious viruses.

Up to this date, according to Worldometers, the total cases of Covid-19

in the Philippines has reached 3, 672, 661. It was recorded that the death cases
have hit 57, 880. The public's health is at huge risk, with this vaccination
against COVID-19 should be obligatory to stop the cases from increasing.

The number of cases in the Philippines is gradually increasing. Yesterday,

598 new covid-19 cases have been recorded with 145 new deaths. This
scenario imposes a big threat to our health. Anytime or anywhere, you could
be infected. But if you are vaccinated, the chance of having this disease is low.

Vaccines against the Covid-19 virus are free and are distributed to the
different parts of our country, but still many people are hesitant to be
vaccinated. Mandatory Vaccination can lessen the risk of getting infected with
the virus. There are a lot of benefits when you are vaccinated, aside from
protection, you can travel, and eventually go to school without worrying about
the virus, but still following the community guidelines and government health
protocols is a must.

Since we are living in a democratic country, vaccination should be a

personal choice. It should depend on the person whether he wants to be
vaccinated or not. Aside from vaccines, there are a lot of alternatives to
protect us from the virus, like teas, vitamins, essential oils, herbal therapies,
etc.

Most people, especially parents are hesitating to be vaccinated and their

children because of the incident on the Dengvaxia vaccine. Based on the report
of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, 3 out of 14
children died after receiving the vaccine. There are many concerns about the
safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. Also, many people who are already
vaccinated are still being infected by Covid-19. It is better if vaccination is
optional.

People have the freedom to choose, however considering our situation

where people are getting sick some even died, the education and the economy
of our country are greatly affected. The health of the people is the top priority
in this battle, hence if vaccination is not mandatory, if people are still not
vaccinated, the war against covid-19 won’t end.

Compared to alternative remedies, mandatory vaccination provides a

better cost-benefit and could lessen the cases of Covid. There is no scientific
proof that any of these considered alternative treatments can help to prevent
or cure COVID-19. In fact, several of them might be harmful to your health if
consumed. Although many herbal or nutritional supplements (as well as
certain prescription medications) come from natural sources, just because it's
natural, doesn't mean that it is a better or safer choice for your body.

COVID-19 vaccines are both safe and effective. In clinical trials, these
were tested on tens of thousands of people. The vaccinations fulfilled the Food
and Drug Administration's (FDA) stringent scientific requirements for safety,
efficacy, and manufacturing quality. There are side effects of the vaccine, but it
doesn’t mean that it is dangerous. Vaccines are tested by professionals to
ensure its safety and effectiveness.

Immunization serves as a protection against viruses that may invade our

body, the Covid-19 vaccine is not an exemption. This increases our safety and
decreases the chance of getting infected. Even if you are already vaccinated
you could still have Covid, but this can prevent you from having life-
threatening illnesses, hospitalizations, and death. If all the people are
vaccinated, there are low chances of getting infected, cases will reduce.
Through vaccines, slowly we will be able to live a normal life again.

Vaccines are proven and tested, they are safe and effective. All of us
should be vaccinated to reduce the cases of covid every day. Obligatory
vaccination is a must. To be able to win against Covid-19, communication,
unity, and cooperation are the key. The government is doing everything it can
to protect all of us. Let us all cooperate and get vaccinated.