JOHOR BARU: These selecting to not take the Covid-19 vaccine needs to be ready to forgo “privileges” which are given to those that are totally vaccinated.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia counselling centre director Dr Zulfikar Ahmad stated that whereas the general public needs to be allowed to make their very own choice on whether or not to be vaccinated, they need to even be held accountable for the choice they made.
“After getting chosen to not take the vaccine, try to be accountable and be ready for the results that come together with that call, together with forgoing sure privileges comparable to with the ability to dine in at eateries, go to sure locations and journey throughout state borders.
“The federal government and authorities can not punish or drive them into taking the vaccine. That’s not the suitable and efficient method to take, however we should always make them assume on their very own,” he instructed The Star.
As a substitute of confronting the group and pushing them to alter their minds, he stated the extra significant method was to coach and supply them with ample info to ensure that them to make their very own selections.
“When folks have set their thoughts on one thing, it isn’t straightforward to make them change it, particularly in the event that they really feel like they’re being compelled into it. They are going to be defensive and as soon as it comes to some extent, they might develop into emotional.
“Which is why, in counselling, we is not going to inform folks to alter their minds. We might give them our opinions however most significantly, give them info,” he stated.
Zulfikar famous that many who beforehand hesitated to take the vaccine had determined to take it, and this was testomony that individuals might certainly have a change of opinion, particularly after they see issues taking place in entrance of their very own eyes.
“As people, we’re not simply satisfied with phrases however we want proof and information. Once they see extra folks taking the vaccines, together with these from different components of the world, they’re slowly satisfied,” he stated.
He additionally cautioned towards using the time period “anti-vaccine” or “antivax” to label teams who’ve but to take the vaccine.
“Utilizing such labels will solely make them really feel discriminated upon. Now we have to additionally do not forget that there are those that have medical situations and others who’re nonetheless sitting on the fence,” stated Zulfikar.
Then again, the federal government should even be agency and make it clear that those that had determined to not take it could lose out on sure privileges, he stated.
“Well being Minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s assertion to the group a few weeks in the past, telling them ‘life will probably be tough for them’ is a powerful and obligatory message.
“As a minister, he must be agency. Certain, we can not drive or punish them however they need to additionally do not forget that life is not going to be straightforward for them,” Zulfikar added.
Final month, Khairy issued a warning, saying that whereas the federal government would unlikely problem a federal mandate to make vaccination obligatory, it could not make it any simpler for vaccine deniers.
“Sorry to say, we’ll proceed to make life very tough for you in case you are not vaccinated since you select to not.
“If you happen to can’t be vaccinated on well being grounds, we’ll give (digital) exemption by means of MySejahtera,” he stated.
