As the world grapples with the fast-spreading omicron variant and its potentially devastating consequences, a big policy dilemma revolves around how governments might nudge the unvaccinated or partially vaccinated to join the ranks of those who are fully protected., to nationwide mandatory vaccination . Vaccination mandates in particular rankle liberals and libertarians alike and raise challenging ethical questions, while arguably entrenching the position of the unvaccinated.
By contrast, universal healthcare systems make no such differentiation: cyclists, ski racers, smokers, young drivers, COVID-19-vaccinated, partially vaccinated and unvaccinated, all enjoy the same access to the healthcare system.Some have argued that equal access needs to be maintained in the face of a threat as serious as COVID-19 and that choosing not to be vaccinated is equivalent to choosing to smoke, or taking part in extreme sports.
Even with relatively low rates of hospitalisation and ICU bed occupancy compared with the same period last year – and arguably before the full impact of the recent surge has been felt – this has filled the stretched capacity of the NHS, leading to longer waiting lists and cancelled or postponed surgery.
Some will argue that such a requirement would hit the less well-off or ethnic minorities, who are disproportionally unvaccinated, while giving a free pass to wealthier individuals. To counter that, I would propose a charge philosophically similar to that applied to speeding fines: as a percentage of income.
If they're going to do this to unvaxed they'd have to make smokers pay for the care they get later on from smoking and so would alcoholics pay for treatment instead of not paying because of the damage alcohol has .done to the bodies organs so they'd have to pay to then only fair
So why pay taxes?
AFR you stoop even lower drkerrynphelps
So your going to legislate private health care or can the average citizen use Medicare still in Australia. Or jou just like a system of apartheid?
I've held this position for a while now. Even better, dont let them in the hospital. Save the space for others.
Problem is, regardless if the unvaccinated pay for their own hospital care, hospitals don’t have the ability/capacity to treat them. Maybe we should set up/train a reserve force of medical people to mobilize in crisis situations, like ADF reserves.
Sure I’ll agree to that as long as I don’t have to pay my share of taxation that goes to hospitals and Medicare.
Hospitals are full of people affected by drugs, alcohol, tobacco, poor diet etc, maybe they should pay ?
*more ethical but still so far away. After how many boosters will this mandate end? The problem isnt with the anti vaxxers, the problem is the unnecesary vaccine that doesnt work. What happens when natural immunity no longer exists? ScottMorrisonMP how many boosters? 😳
An economist market view on how to run a health system, WTF?
Feel the same way about people who do substance abuse, Alcoholics that cause accidents & wreck other people’s lives, drink drivers, people with their reckless eating habits who put a strain on the health system through obesity & smokers who add burden to the health system
A higher Medicare levy on unvaccinated is required for the duration. Excise duty is in place for alcohol and cigarettes recognising the much higher costs of care
I feel the same way about overweight and obese people clogging up the hospital system with cardiovascular diseases. (Excluding those with diagnosed medical issues) Let’s make them pay, as it was their own lifestyle choices..
More ethical? I think you meant equitable.