Emma Brockes provided a good reason for opposing the use of shame and ridicule by people who are hesitant about vaccines (Should we humiliate anti-vaccine people?That can only backfire, July 31). However, she left the most important consideration to the last sentence: “Why does he think so?” The key to persuading hesitators is of course to distinguish between different types of concerns/attitudes and address these issues directly and clearly-the government and the media No attempt has been made to do so.
Allowing target groups to maintain “unvaccinated” amorphous bodies helps to sow resentment among those understandable worries because they confuse with baseless conspirators. At the same time, deep-rooted liberals gain false legitimacy by contacting people who claim to be genuine (if inaccurate) medical fears. Few of these groups need to cite credible facts to defend their position, simply because the media seek their opinions mainly through vox-pop reports.
If the US and UK governments resolve these types of misinformation clearly, individually, and repeatedly, they may be more effective in persuading indecisive people, rather than relying on tricky inducements or reactive explanations. Reliable information is still the best form of preventing the contagion of simplistic, syllogistic logic.
Paul McGill Christ
Colchester, Essex
John Harris made some good points about the current government’s intention to rule by decree and stifle the public’s right to protest (Brexit and Covid create perfect moments for suppressing politics, August 1). However, he is wrong to try to confuse it with the “green pass” situation-the term “vaccine passport” is too simplistic because there is no infection, so non-infectiousness can be verified by other means than vaccines.
The method of implementing the green pass system already exists to prevent the uncontrolled spread of the coronavirus, and the number of hospitalizations and deaths that follow, and minimize the possibility of bars, clubs, concerts and competitions becoming super-spreading venues . Measures specifically designed to curb the spread of deadly viruses are public health measures, not personal freedom issues.
Advanced
Aylesbill, Devon
I support the idea of specifying a vaccine passport Setting, such as university Or if the employer wants employees to be vaccinated. If they are challenged in court, they may be ruled as discriminatory. I also regret that.
British human rights legislation stipulates: “The exercise of these rights shall not be restricted [freedom of association] Rights other than those stipulated by law, and rights that are necessary for the benefit of national security or public safety, the prevention of chaos or crime, the protection of health or morals, or the protection of rights and freedoms in a democratic society. “
I am not a lawyer, but these words make it clear to me that providing such evidence allows employers to protect their workforce by ensuring that no one is more likely to spread Covid-19 than most of the general population. Their employees may also welcome this approach. If there is no such prescription, I think I can post a notice in the store. For example, a store where all employees are vaccinated. If there is no such notice, customers can go elsewhere.
Patrick Cosgrove
Church lawn, Shropshire
