Video: Should Covid-19 vaccines be mandatory?

Covid-19 vaccines are being made mandatory in Austria - should the UK follow suit? We asked the people of Birmingham what they think - do you agree with their points of view?
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More than 45 million people in the UK have received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.

However as cases continue to rise across Europe, measures to stop the spread such as lockdowns and mandatory vaccinations are being implemented. This includes Austria where plans to make Covid vaccines mandatory by February have been announced.

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We asked the people of Birmingham if they think the UK should follow suit. Let us know if you agree with their points of view.

Umar offers his take on mandatory Covid vaccinationsUmar offers his take on mandatory Covid vaccinations
Umar offers his take on mandatory Covid vaccinations

‘It’s a bit dodgy to force people to get vaccinated’

Umar said: “With vaccines, I do believe in the idea of vaccines. But when it comes to mandatory vaccines, I think that’s when you’re, like, treading water a bit. I think forcing people to get the vaccine - I think it’s a bit dodgy, because like,

“I think we should all have control over what we put in our bodies. I mean I’m pro-vaccine, I mean I’d respect another person if they were anti-vaccine if they also had a good argument, I have a good argument for it. I think it’s an open discussion.”

Richard offers his take on mandatory Covid vaccinesRichard offers his take on mandatory Covid vaccines
Richard offers his take on mandatory Covid vaccines

‘It needs to be highly encouraged - not mandatory’

Richard said: “I don’t think it needs to be mandatory, it needs to be highly encouraged. So if some benefits of being in society for people who’ve been vaccinated, I think that helps kind of persuades those who don’t.

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“With social media and the media being the way things are at the moment there’s loads of misinformation out there. And unfortunately people believe what they read on social media as truth rather than through a filter of this is just someone’s opinion.”

Ella offers her take on mandatory Covid vaccinationsElla offers her take on mandatory Covid vaccinations
Ella offers her take on mandatory Covid vaccinations

‘Yes, people should be forced to be vaccinated against Covid-19’

Ella said: “Yeah people should be forced to have them because you are protecting yourself and you are protecting other people which is the most important thing.

“I don’t think we need another lockdown because it’s just... Like if you keep getting vaccinated and people are forced to have them, and you’re like sensible, then you’re fine.”

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