Here’s what theologians think about the bill for mandatory vaccination for children

In the Netherlands, vaccination is voluntary, but this bill could change if the vaccination rate falls below a critical level. Theologians have divided opinions about this. Sanneke Brouwers, chaplain, doubts whether compulsory vaccination is the right thing: “Due to the crisis of the crown, we have noticed that this coercion is counterproductive. People trust the government less.” According to her, resistance is growing as a result of a coercive approach, and many people trust the government less after scandals such as the benefits.

Vaccination, of course

Rabbi Marianne van Praag personally accepts the vaccine: “Life is the highest thing in Judaism. So for me it’s simple: prog!” She believes that coercion is not the solution to the current issue. Parents can only be encouraged in a positive way, not by imposing obligations on them. Brouwers agrees with that. She believes that a positive promotion such as a book, a voucher or a discount on childcare will help to increase the vaccination rate in the Netherlands.

Wider resistance

Some religious groups, such as Orthodox Christians, refuse vaccines on principle and trust in God. But Brouwers notes that opposition to vaccination has become more widespread, including anthroposophists, semiologists and people with negative experiences in their native countries. For Van Praag and Brouwers, the emphasis is on the importance of freedom and the dangers of government coercion.

Insulation

But are they for or against the bill from VVD and D66, which says that it should be possible to admit the little ones to childcare only in case of emergency if they have get the vaccine? Van Praag doesn’t think it goes too far that a child can’t go to daycare, even though that can lead to parental isolation. At the same time, the question arises: what to do with these children? They are not excluded from society and therefore continue to go to indoor playgrounds, supermarkets and family. She places great emphasis on group interests and Brouwers agrees with this.

By: National Health Care Guidelines / Johanne Levinsky