The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the statement of the Department of Health that recognises a person’s inviolable right to informed consent when receiving Covid-19 vaccines. This position stresses the four elements of availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality (also known as the AAAQ Framework) in the enjoyment of the right to health by all.
Time and again we stress that, in ending this pandemic, respect and promotion of human rights must always be at the centre of all government actions. Human rights are not to be compromised, but should rather be prioritised. Ending this pandemic, after all, is in pursuit of the people right to health and a safe and healthy environment.
At the same time, we urge the government to further push its efforts in addressing the reasons fueling vaccine hesitancy, including deadly misconceptions, which discourage the public from getting vaccinated. In a survey conducted during 28 April – 2 May 2021, the polling firm Social Weather Stations reveals that only 58% of those who had confidence in the current government Covid-19 vaccination programme were willing to get vaccinated. This percentage falls short in satisfying the goal of achieving herd immunity in the country.
We also remind the public to be more discerning of the information they receive and pass to others. Check if the sources of the information are legitimate sites and channels. And remember that getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to avoid the worst effects of Covid-19, including its severe symptoms and even death.
We encourage everyone to get vaccinated when it is already your turn. Vaccines work. Protect yourselves, your loved ones, and your communities.
As CHR campaigns for #Vaccine4All, we hope for a more efficient and effective vaccination rollout in the country—a health programme that considers the plight of the vulnerable, such as the elderly and Persons with Disabilities; addresses lapses in prioritisation and protocols; and puts into good use precious vaccine resource of the country. ###