The choices and preferences of individuals primarily determine social well-being; however, the coronavirus threatens the possibility of implementing personal and civil liberties. To regain these rights and stop the spread of the disease, it is necessary to sacrifice part of individual freedom. The coronavirus pandemic endangers the life and health of all humanity. Therefore, in this case, the importance of public welfare should be paramount relative to individual choice.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can be trusted, as they carefully collect data and publish daily updates on research information (Shimabukuro, 2021). All the documents confirming the statistics provided by the CDC can be found in the public domain. State organizations were created to provide people with better benefits; therefore, all state initiatives (including obligatory vaccination) are primarily based on the benefits for people. All citizens should consider the need for vaccination since by making the vaccine mandatory at the state level, the government is guided by the interests of society.
The restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic have led to severe losses for airlines and travel-related businesses. Therefore, introducing a COVID passport for travelers should be a mandatory measure to avoid the need to introduce quarantines. Vaccination of children and adolescents in schools is also a necessary measure. Although they carry the infection easily, they can be a source of contamination for people at risk. This is the reason why not only adults and elderly people but also schoolchildren need vaccination.
The state’s primary function is to take care of the preservation and multiplication of the common good. Therefore, members of society should sometimes sacrifice one’s personal freedom for the sake of the greater good.
Reference
Shimabukuro, T. (2021). Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis after receipt of the first dose of Moderna covid-19 vaccine. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 70(4), 125-129.