Should Young People Have The COVID Vaccine? A different perspective

Even within medical practice, there are differing opinions. However, there is little doubt that vaccinating those with different vaccines over the age of 18 has had a beneficial effect in curbing the global pandemic. But of course, there are risks with the vaccine (no matter which one you get) and risks with getting the disease itself.

It is easy to look at the medical literature for Covid vaccines in those under 18 and at specific incidences of risks/complications of both the vaccine and the disease. From this perspective, it is very easy to argue for and against having a vaccine based on purely the risk profile and effect it may have on the individual. However, given the current level of information, it may be reasonable to come down on one or other side of the argument when making a choice.

These decisions are, of course, based on our Western interpretation of human rights through a lens of individualism. The right to wear a mask, the right not to wear a mask, the right to have the vaccine, the right not to have the vaccine; these are all decisions that we all individually need to take. In addition, there are alternative factors that may individually affect outcomes, such as weight, nutrition, and other comorbid conditions. It is important when making such decisions to understand that medical evidence is based on populations, not individual scenarios.

In other areas of the world, different views of human rights look at human rights as a collective endeavour. Through this perspective, individual choice is made for the benefit of the wider group. Advocating for vaccination for individuals under 18 to protect the wider population of those under 18 is controversial. I am not suggesting that you use this article to make individual choices for your children.

The aim here is to raise awareness and offer a different perspective. There are various ways of looking at human rights worldwide. Nevertheless, the lens of individual human rights has clear importance, benefit, strength and important limitations. A more collectivist approach again has its limitations but does align with the more population-based evidence on which medical research is based.

Although not offering advice here, it may be helpful to use the available information to understand both the risk individually and the wider societal impact before making a fully informed decision.