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Original poster

To expect to be able to choose not to have the vaccine without being made to feel uncomfortable? *edited by MNHQ at OP's request*

571 replies

Drogonssmile · 05/01/2021 11:32

Risking a flaming here:

I work in the NHS not patient facing. Our Trust has said all non frontline staff are likely to be offered the vaccine next week. (1000 staff have already been done which is brilliant!)

I'm a fit and healthy 39 year old with no underlying health conditions. I am not an anti vaxxer however I am concerned about the lack of long term research that has understandably not been able to be done on the vaccine and have made an informed decision that I probably won't have it. I'd prefer my dose to go to someone more vulnerable. I believe this should be my choice.
My colleague is 62 and is all for having the vaccine which is great. I said I probably wouldn't as it doesn't affect transmission only the severity of the illness. Now she isn't speaking to me.
AIBU?

(Also given the amount of setbacks and govt lies/omissions in the last 10 months I wouldn't be at all surprised if the vaccine isn't the silver bullet we've been told to expect. The way things are going I can see is in the same situation in 12 months time).

OP posts:
Londt · 05/01/2021 11:33

YABU

JamieLeesCurtains · 05/01/2021 11:37

If you want to be special, you have to be prepared to be treated specially.

Or, if you want to behave in a different way from others, you have to be prepared to be treated differently from others.

Do you get it now?

I feel like this about all approved vaccines btw.

contrmary · 05/01/2021 11:38

I'd prefer my dose to go to someone more vulnerable.

I like to play God too.

Mylittlepony374 · 05/01/2021 11:39

Agree with JamieLeeCurtains.

TillysMum02 · 05/01/2021 11:40

So you will pay out of your own pocket for the treatment you will need when you catch covid then?

Funkypolar · 05/01/2021 11:40

I’m pregnant so won’t be having it. Then I’ll be breastfeeding. As far as I’m away, they won’t be holding people down and forcibly injecting them.

TrashCanBird · 05/01/2021 11:40

How exactly are you being discriminated against? People are entitled to think you're an idiot.

Meredithgrey1 · 05/01/2021 11:40

Well, I think you’re wrong to not have it. But I wouldn’t stop talking to a colleague over it (unless you’re banging on about it and she’s sick of hearing you). Refusing to speak to a colleague seems unprofessional to me.

TheSilentStars · 05/01/2021 11:41

As long as you declare to your employers that henceforth you can't take the responsibility of getting anywhere near anyone who may be vulnerable, sure.

You're obviously not medical NHS or you wouldn't have trotted out the silliness about the vaccine not having been studied for years.

TrashCanBird · 05/01/2021 11:41

@TillysMum02

So you will pay out of your own pocket for the treatment you will need when you catch covid then?

Good point.

TillysMum02 · 05/01/2021 11:42

And what do you mean ‘not be discriminated against’?? Your colleague has an opinion, how is that discrimination because she’s disgusted with you and isn’t up for speaking to you right now?

Did you run and tell mummy, sorry, I mean a manager?

Spidey66 · 05/01/2021 11:42

I wouldnt be happy in her position.

The reason why its gone through quickly is because it was already researched for SARS and has just been 'tweaked' for COVID.

If we want any kind of normality. the only hope is for as many people as possible to be vaccinated. Refusing it when offered just slows this down.

I think those who refuse, are looking for all the benefits of herd immunity while not taking the chances of any risks. I think it's selfish, tbh.

Ive got a colleague refusing it while spending all year panicking about covid as her family have asthma. I'm really angry with her.

Annasgirl · 05/01/2021 11:43

Well I am sure lots of people will come on to support you OP, I mean, I have seen some crazy support for anti- everything on this site.

How do you think herd immunity operates if everyone refuses to be vaccinated? Why should I take the risk so you can return to pre-covid life? Those who agree to be vaccinated should be rewarded - those who refuse should not.

I totally agree with any business or country being able to refuse people entry without a vaccine - I suppose you will be happy to never go abroad again (I do not know if you have ever been, but I think all countries will want proof of vaccination if they go to the trouble of vaccinating all of their own population).

Humans are inherently selfish and the only way we can get the majority to act selflessly is by reward and punishment - it has happened since we first became sentient so I don't think it will change for you.

MissBaskinIfYoureNasty · 05/01/2021 11:43

Oh please. You're reaching by calling this discrimination. She has an opinion. Deal with it.

Myshinynewname2021 · 05/01/2021 11:44

Well the vaccine won't stop you passing it on or getting it and being asymptomatic so it's up to you really. If it meant you couldn't give it to others I'd say you were BVU.

I think given that it's only a vaccine to stop you getting sick yourself (at least I'm pretty sure that's the deal) who cares? Though personally I wouldn't take that chance as you are most definitely not too young to get long covid/very ill.

StylishMummy · 05/01/2021 11:44

I'd be fucking livid if I worked with you. Do you understand the origins of the vaccines? Theyre based on vaccines used for SARS and the flu, do you refuse a flu jab annually because of 'long term risks'?.

I wouldn't speak to you and would ask to move to a separate office if I was your colleague

Cadent · 05/01/2021 11:44

I also have have concerns but I'm aware that if I don't have the vaccine, I am relying on everyone else to have it to keep me safe.

We all need to do our bit, OP.

Unless you can commit to giving up your job and living like a hermit at home forever, then YABU.

AlexaShutUp · 05/01/2021 11:45

YABU. If you get ill, I presume you will expect the NHS to treat you?

Also, I don't think we actually know yet whether or not it reduces transmission, do we?

Meredithgrey1 · 05/01/2021 11:45

@TillysMum02

So you will pay out of your own pocket for the treatment you will need when you catch covid then?
How ridiculous. We don’t ask for payment to treat smokers, or people who drive too fast and crash their car, or people who eat their way to health problems. Or people who refuse other vaccines and end up ill.

To be clear, I think OP should have the vaccine, I just don’t think this comment about charging people is a good point.

Alwayswrongneverright · 05/01/2021 11:46

YABU

unmarkedbythat · 05/01/2021 11:46

Discrimination? Just because people think you're being an arsehole doesn't mean you're experiencing discrimination.

Branleuse · 05/01/2021 11:47

it cant be worse risk than the risk of catching covid surely?
All vaccines work similarly. Its not a drug with unknown effects

louisejxxx · 05/01/2021 11:47

YABU.

AuntyPasta · 05/01/2021 11:49

’I said I probably wouldn't as it doesn't affect transmission’

We don’t know that. It will take time and studies to see how much impact the vaccines have on transmission rates.

‘According to the FDA, most vaccines that protect from viral illnesses also reduce viral transmission by those who are vaccinated’

Spidey66 · 05/01/2021 11:49

BTW the colleague who refused also refused flu jab. Her reason for refusing is ''i heard someone didn't feel too well after it.'' You wouldnt feel too well with COVID, neither would your husband or kids with asthma.

To the pregnant lady, I can understand your refusal, you've got clear underlying reasons. It's those like my colleague who are anti vaxxers with no good reason that make me angry.

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