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Original poster

Colleague who does not want to get vaccinated

272 replies

JennieLee · 20/05/2021 10:08

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...?

OP posts:
boobot1 · 20/05/2021 20:59

@justanotherneighinparadise

Yes. You can wind your neck in and leave her alone.
This
Alonim · 20/05/2021 21:02

apart from not wanting to take an experimental vaccine with new mNRA technology where the long term effects are unknown for a virus that has a 0.002% chance of killing me I wouldnt take it just because it annoys people like you lol

I agree with this 100% - especially the last bit.

Notthissticky · 21/05/2021 11:25

OP is perfectly entitled to be annoyed with colleagues who choose not to have the vaccine. They are choosing a course of action that could increase the risk that others will contract COVID, as vaccines are not 100% effective, so OP is not necessarily protected. It's not the same that some people haven't been offered the vaccine yet so could spread it: these people aren't actively choosing to potentially put others at risk. In fact, it is precisely because not everyone has been able to get the vaccine yet that it is so important that those who can get it do get it. OP would likely be sympathetic to those who cannot get the vaccine for medical reasons as well, as it is not their choice. Having looked up her colleague's condition, which she was already aware of anyway, it is clear that it doesn't necessarily preclude vaccination. Moreover, the colleague didn't say this was the reason she didn't get vaccinated, which you could argue suggests it wasn't (she's not keeping her condition private so you'd arguably expect her to mention it as a reason for not getting vaccinated, as everyone would accept and understand). I don't get the vitriol aimed at OP for looking it up. She's totally allowed to do so, and anyone who claims never to have Googled a condition someone they know has is likely not being entirely honest...

And, once more for those hard of thinking: we need a very high degree of vaccination to attain herd immunity, which is what will stop those who cannot be vaccinated from catching COVID, as it will limit/ stop the virus circulating. I am really keen to hear what everyone who is choosing not to get vaccinated says to that. It's not about whether COVID poses a risk to you or not.

OP, you're being accused of all sorts. I think your first post was worded badly and I think you've probably realised there's not much that you can do. Keep your distance and maintain good hygiene.

bumbleymummy · 21/05/2021 11:35

@Notthissticky the virus doesn’t distinguish between people who can’t have the vaccine or have decided not to. Why do you think it actually makes a difference? Anyone who isn’t immune - including those who have been vaccinated but who haven’t developed sufficient immunity, can put others at risk. The OP could potentially be putting her work colleagues at risk herself.

Fwiw the ONS has reported a high level of immunity in the community already - both from vaccination and previous infection. Those who haven’t been vaccinated may be immune already or could still become infected and develop immunity thereby also contributing to herd immunity. Hope that reassures you a bit - in case you’re ‘hard of thinking’ yourself.

Notthissticky · 21/05/2021 11:56

[quote bumbleymummy]@Notthissticky the virus doesn’t distinguish between people who can’t have the vaccine or have decided not to. Why do you think it actually makes a difference? Anyone who isn’t immune - including those who have been vaccinated but who haven’t developed sufficient immunity, can put others at risk. The OP could potentially be putting her work colleagues at risk herself.

Fwiw the ONS has reported a high level of immunity in the community already - both from vaccination and previous infection. Those who haven’t been vaccinated may be immune already or could still become infected and develop immunity thereby also contributing to herd immunity. Hope that reassures you a bit - in case you’re ‘hard of thinking’ yourself.[/quote]
But having the vaccine greatly increases the chances of having sufficient immunity. It matters not one jot that you can get immunity from having had COVID. Fact is, if you want to be doing everything within your power to reduce the risks of COVID to everyone, you should get vaccinated unless you have a medical reason not to.

Of course I know that the virus doesn't distinguish based on the reason why people aren't vaccinated. I never said it did. I said it is different, because one group chooses not to be vaccinated whereas the other has no choice. Because some people have no choice, it is all the more important that those who can get vaccinated are. And OP would probably feel differently about people who can't vs people who won't be vaccinated.

I pride myself in my critical thinking skills, thank you very much. What choice have you made regarding the vaccine? Pleased to say I've had both doses despite only having one risk factor for COVID.

Interestedparty132 · 21/05/2021 12:42

It’s still an individual choice whether you have the vaccine though. Sorry if some people can’t accept this.

Againstmachine · 21/05/2021 12:58

So forcing people to have medical procedures against their will is your thing, should we now force people we consider unfit mother's to have abortions or sterilized.

I've been vaccinated but your colleagues medical history status is nothing to do with you at all.

Something people think these days they have a right to know others business, and this isnt about feeling scared it's about the OP wanting control over someone else.

aiwblam · 21/05/2021 13:22

You have to leave her alone and let her get on with her life. I am very glad that we do not force people to be vaccinated - we live in a free country. I have been vaccinated, it was my choice, just like this is your colleague’s choice. Her medical condition may or may not be a red herring here - she might not want the vaccine anyway. Her specialist might have advised against it. Who knows? But you have to respect her decision. Enough of us will be vaccinated soon that those who can’t or don’t want the vaccine will not cause a major problem. The vast majority of people are desperate for the vaccine.

bumbleymummy · 21/05/2021 13:36

@Notthissticky It’s not actually different though. Whether you intended to make someone else ill or not has nothing to do with it - either you’re a risk to others or you’re not. Having the vaccine doesn’t guarantee that you’re not. Not having the vaccine doesn’t guarantee that you are (you could already have immunity).

And if you don’t like having your own thinking skills questioned maybe don’t try to insult other people’s simply because they’ve made a different decision to you.

Gwenhwyfar · 21/05/2021 15:44

"Enough of us will be vaccinated soon that those who can’t or don’t want the vaccine will not cause a major problem. "

That's not fair though is it? The rest of us have to accept the risk and put up with the side effects while others can decline?

Gwenhwyfar · 21/05/2021 15:46

@Interestedparty132

It’s still an individual choice whether you have the vaccine though. Sorry if some people can’t accept this.
Yes. However, choices do have consequences and it may well be that the unvaccinated by choice may have some restrictions on their movements.
XenoBitch · 21/05/2021 15:51

@Gwenhwyfar

"Enough of us will be vaccinated soon that those who can’t or don’t want the vaccine will not cause a major problem. "

That's not fair though is it? The rest of us have to accept the risk and put up with the side effects while others can decline?

The vaccine is a choice. If you want it, and put up with the side effects, then great. If you don't want it for whatever reason, then great too. At the end of the day, the vaccine is not mandatory. I wish people would not speak of it like it is.
BlaBlaSmthSmth · 21/05/2021 15:52

@Gwenhwyfar

"Enough of us will be vaccinated soon that those who can’t or don’t want the vaccine will not cause a major problem. "

That's not fair though is it? The rest of us have to accept the risk and put up with the side effects while others can decline?

Yes it is fair because people have bodily autonomy and have chosen whether to have/decline the vaccine. Unless some of those people felt pressured or coerced into having it. That wouldn't be fair.
bumbleymummy · 21/05/2021 16:06

@Gwenhwyfar

"Enough of us will be vaccinated soon that those who can’t or don’t want the vaccine will not cause a major problem. "

That's not fair though is it? The rest of us have to accept the risk and put up with the side effects while others can decline?

You didn’t have to have it. You chose to ‘accept the risk and put up with the side effects’. No one forced you to. Presumably you were worried about contracting covid and decided to try to reduce your risks? Other people have made a different decision.
aprilherewecome · 21/05/2021 16:13

they don't have to have the vaccine. I work in healthcare and some colleges have chosen to not have their vaccine. It is their choice.

Gwenhwyfar · 21/05/2021 16:19

"Presumably you were worried about contracting covid and decided to try to reduce your risks?"

No, I wasn't, actually.

Gwenhwyfar · 21/05/2021 16:21

"Yes it is fair because people have bodily autonomy and have chosen whether to have/decline the vaccine. Unless some of those people felt pressured or coerced into having it. That wouldn't be fair."

But the unvaccinated will reap the benefits of herd immunity while selfishly choosing not to contribute to it. That's why I'm saying it's not fair.
I'm not saying they should be forced into it, but there is definitely a moral issue here.
It's like being a member of a club where others are paying the membership fee, but some choose not to.

AccidentallyOnPurpose · 21/05/2021 16:26

@Gwenhwyfar

"Yes it is fair because people have bodily autonomy and have chosen whether to have/decline the vaccine. Unless some of those people felt pressured or coerced into having it. That wouldn't be fair."

But the unvaccinated will reap the benefits of herd immunity while selfishly choosing not to contribute to it. That's why I'm saying it's not fair.
I'm not saying they should be forced into it, but there is definitely a moral issue here.
It's like being a member of a club where others are paying the membership fee, but some choose not to.

Life's not fair . Deal with it.
XenoBitch · 21/05/2021 16:28

@Gwenhwyfar

"Yes it is fair because people have bodily autonomy and have chosen whether to have/decline the vaccine. Unless some of those people felt pressured or coerced into having it. That wouldn't be fair."

But the unvaccinated will reap the benefits of herd immunity while selfishly choosing not to contribute to it. That's why I'm saying it's not fair.
I'm not saying they should be forced into it, but there is definitely a moral issue here.
It's like being a member of a club where others are paying the membership fee, but some choose not to.

I didn't ask to join this club though.
Gwenhwyfar · 21/05/2021 16:28

"Life's not fair . Deal with it."

Well, I am dealing with it. But I'm allowed to state my opinion.
I'm glad you agree it's not fair to choose not to have the vaccine.

AccidentallyOnPurpose · 21/05/2021 16:34

@Gwenhwyfar

"Life's not fair . Deal with it."

Well, I am dealing with it. But I'm allowed to state my opinion.
I'm glad you agree it's not fair to choose not to have the vaccine.

I actually don't, but I've also been a dick. Shit day. I apologise.
bumbleymummy · 21/05/2021 16:40

@Gwenhwyfar

"Presumably you were worried about contracting covid and decided to try to reduce your risks?"

No, I wasn't, actually.

Well then you made the decision to put up with the risks and side effects for ‘the greater good’ but again, no one forced you to. You can’t get annoyed because other people have made different decisions to you.

People who recover from infection are also contributing to herd immunity by the way.

Gwenhwyfar · 21/05/2021 17:41

"I didn't ask to join this club though."

The herd immunity club? The one that (hopefully!) gets to leave lockdown? You'd rather still be under restrictions?

bumbleymummy · 21/05/2021 17:52

No. She’s just pointing out that she didn’t ask to benefit from herd immunity, it’s just happening. For all you know she’s immune anyway and could also be contributing to herd immunity.

Selkie1961 · 21/05/2021 17:53

😵