Slovenian epidemiologists are currently opposed to the mandatory vaccination against COVID – EURACTIV.com
Slovenian epidemiologists working at the National Institute of Public Health have unanimously rejected the mandatory vaccination against COVID-19, citing the lack of a legal basis and concerns about implementation.
Epidemiologists said last week that mandatory vaccination is likely to end up “dead ink on paper” given the lack of an implementation plan or sanctions against individuals who refuse vaccination.
This issue requires a broader social consensus and “goes beyond” the epidemiological profession or the health profession in general. They added that other experts, including lawyers, communication specialists and representatives of the humanities, should also take part in the discussion.
“Attempts to introduce compulsory vaccination … may trigger an unfavorable public response and an unfavorable attitude towards vaccination in general and other public health measures,” they said.
The statement by epidemiologists came amid growing calls for compulsory vaccination as cases began to rise again, fueled by the Omicron version and Christmas meetings.
Their position is crucial, as the law stipulates that vaccination is mandatory only on the proposal of the National Institute of Public Health.
It is telling that the institute emphasized that it is an “independent professional institution” that makes professional decisions, not political ones.
Although some EU countries are pushing for compulsory vaccination, Slovenia is likely to be delayed for some time, as general elections are only a few months away and parties are unlikely to risk their electoral luck for a move opposed by experts.
(Sebastijan R. Maček | sta.si)