We can’t be coerced into being vaccinated

IN his recent letter, Dave Chafer is worried that, despite being vaccinated, he might still catch Covid from someone such as myself, who has not. He judges me as valuing choice above the health of others and “not taking responsibility for my own health” and that I should be denied treatment by the NHS. This is simplistic and contradictory.

I have already reported the Council of Europe’s recent statement that vaccination must not be compulsory. Our own Public Health (Control of Disease) Act of 1984 takes the same position. It lists the actions governments may undertake in the face of a major health threat. Parts 45b and 45c include all the kinds of measures and restrictions, such as are being currently employed, but Section

45e states: “Regulations under section 45b or 45c may not include provision requiring a person to undergo medical treatment. Medical treatment includes vaccination and other prophylactic treatment.”

The House of Commons Library Briefing Paper of January 21 reports that the medical profession have mixed views, and that The Lancet and British Medical Journal share similar doubts as to the value of making vaccination mandatory.

They believe this could end up doing more harm than good.

With regard to my “not taking responsibility”, this is nonsense. At age 74, I have never had a flu jab and, apart from a tonsillectomy at the age of eight, and a few minor ailments, I have enjoyed continuing good health. Over the years my diet has become nearly 100% vegan, which I believe is a key factor.

What would Mr Chafer say of those thousands whose diets have been high in sugar and saturated fat, and with chemical additives, basically junk/convenience foods, or heavy smokers and drinkers, whose immune systems are weakened and body tissues degraded? How responsible is that?

Would he not agree that their serious “pre-existing medical conditions” and proven high vulnerability to flu and Covid is “self-inflicted”? They made their choice, just as I reserve the right to make mine. The law of the land says we must not be coerced into being vaccinated, and that the NHS is there for everyone on equal terms... and I believe that’s the way it should remain.

Ian Phillips Harbertonford, Devon