Colleague who does not want to get vaccinated

[JennieLee]

I've recently returned to work in a venue that has been closed because of Covid.

Was chatting with various colleagues about whether they'd had first and/or second jabs and one person who is of mature years - and rather anxious - said they weren't having vaccinations, though they 'weren't an anti-vaxxer.'

One of my other colleagues says this is because they have a condition which affects their immune system. I was already aware of this condition but on looking it up, the official medical body says there is no reason why people with this condition should be adversely affected by the vaccine. The official advice is to have it.

It seems to me that by working in proximity with her over prolonged periods I am at increased risk of carrying the vaccine and infecting others. (I've had both jabs.)

Is there anything I can do, I wonder...?

Go to your local vaccination centre, create a diversion, grab a vial and needle, hot foot it back to work and then pin your colleague down?
Might manage it the first time but the second jab will be tricker.

Wow, nice that you want to impose your views on someone else’s health for a virus that will not impact the majority of people

I don’t think this be up for public discussion in the workplace tbh

Her body, her choice.

I’m very pro vaccination but medical procedures should always follow informed choice.

Maybe gently ask her what the official body for the condition says?

Yes. You can wind your neck in and leave her alone.

I think your worries are justified and the 2 snarky responses above are uncalled for. Each unvaccinated person puts everyone else at higher risk, and it’s a bitter pill for you to swallow because you have done the right and unselfish thing in getting your jab.

Unfortunately I don’t think there is much you can do. I hope your colleague sees sense, not just for the protection of others but also because they are placing themselves at greatly increased risk.

This is why I lie now.

I’m not sure what you expect to be able to do.

For what it’s worth, I have a colleague who official guidelines say can have the vaccine. However after discussions with her doctor, they have agreed she shouldn’t. Medical history tends to be more complicated than a couple of lines you can read on the internet.

People with autoimmune conditions may not have a successful immune response to the vaccine, although advised to have it.

If you've been vaccinated, your chances of contracting and transmitting the virus are significantly lowered.

I would advise following safety guidelines when in your colleague's company; wash hands frequently, maintain space where possible and avoid very close contact if you're concerned about their safety.

@FortunesFavour

I think your worries are justified and the 2 snarky responses above are uncalled for. Each unvaccinated person puts everyone else at higher risk, and it’s a bitter pill for you to swallow because you have done the right and unselfish thing in getting your jab.

Unfortunately I don’t think there is much you can do. I hope your colleague sees sense, not just for the protection of others but also because they are placing themselves at greatly increased risk.

No one has the right to force someone to undertake a medical procedure against their will. Perhaps you’d be more comfortable living in a communist country.

Perhaps your colleague was advised that she shouldn't have the vaccine? I know the general advice for people with her condition is that they should have the vaccine but it's possible that in some cases individuals are advised against depending on their particular circumstances/any other conditions they may have.

@justanotherneighinparadise
...or perhaps you should take your own advice - just like you, communist countries frown on people freely expressing their opinions.

Maybe it's time to start looking for another job and also to learn to mind your own business.

Honestly? It’s a personal choice. I’d put it out of your head and press on.

Respect her right to make her own choices and keep your beak out.

TBH I'd press management about it. And while nobody can FORCE them to have the vaccine, you can make their lives a lot less pleasant.

Their choice puts the rest of you at increased risk, not to mention your customers.

All this personal choice argument is just bullshit. It's ONLY a personal choice if it doesn't affect anyone else.

I have an auto immune disease and have had both COVID jabs. However I would not force my views on anyone. In fact I think my disease was triggered by a vaccine to begin with, so I can understand people being wary.

You are just as likely or unlikely to catch it from a random person. It is rather stalkerish to Google someone’s medical condition.

Colleague's medical history is not your business. That's it really.

Of course it can be frustrating when people don't do things you think they should. You just have to try and put it out of your mind.

Incidentally, you're going to get all the covid-deniers and anti-vaxxers weighing in on this thread so expect quite a bit of flaming.

Omg look at yourself @strangeshapedpotato . Get some perspective , this is not Ebola. Your attitude reminds me of the abuse people who had hiv got many years ago.

If you are vaccinated you are protected, viruses mutate all the time and generally get weaker. So if someone doesn’t want to risk their life for an untested vaccine and is happy to work alongside someone who is vaccinated but can still pass it on then you should let them be

I am deeply worried by some of the narrative I see

TBH I'd press management about it. And while nobody can FORCE them to have the vaccine, you can make their lives a lot less pleasant

This is disgusting.

Has she had all her other vaccines? Maybe you should ask for a full breakdown of her vaccine history in case she's in danger of passing other illnesses on too 😲

[quote FortunesFavour]@justanotherneighinparadise
...or perhaps you should take your own advice - just like you, communist countries frown on people freely expressing their opinions.[/quote]
That didn’t even make sense 🤣

You've had a quick look on Google and decided that you now know all about her medical condition in relation to the vaccine? Really!!??

Is there anything you can do, you wonder? Yes. There is. You can leave her alone and not be an insufferable busybody.

You've had your vaccine and are reasonably well protected. That's all there is to it.

Honestly, on here over the last year we have had the lockdown police, the mask police and now the vaccine police.

@strangeshapedpotato had all the other proven vaccines thanks ! So hardly an anti vaxxer! How childish to label someone that on the basis of not wanting to take something that isn’t proven and where there is no liability protection