Bi-weekly Round up: 26th November 2021
A special ‘Covid-19’ edition of our bi-weekly round up below, released in light of the recent news development of the discovery of a new Covid-19 Variant; Omicron. These articles discuss the ethical issues raised from measures taken to reduce the rates of transmission of Covid-19.
1. The Guardian view on the Omicron variant: caution needed
Is this new variant a powerful reminder that failing to distribute vaccines equitably is a failure not only of ethics, but of self-protection?
2. Love thy neighbour? Allocating vaccines in a world of competing obligations
What does justice require in the international distribution of scarce vaccines during a pandemic?
3. A vaccine tax: ensuring a more equitable global vaccine distribution
Article within the Journal of Medical Ethics proposing the imposition of a vaccine tax, in a bid to tackle the current unequal global distribution of vaccines. This is particularly given the impact that inequitable access of vaccines has on vulnerable individuals living in low-income countries.
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4. Mandatory Vaccination Should Be Selective, Not General
Article by bioethics heavyweights, arguing that mandatory vaccination should be extended beyond the NHS (but with important qualifications).
5. Covid-19 vaccines: is it ethical for countries to have a mandatory policy for all its citizens?
Do you believe that whether a vaccine mandate is ethical or not comes down to two main questions: whether it is proportionate to the harm we are trying to avoid and whether it is necessary? Or do you believe that vaccine mandates can never be ethical?