For or Against the Jab ?
By Paula Quinsee
Live Well
Whether it be at a family dinner , a social gathering , or in the workplace , at some point , you ’ re bound to be asked whether you are pro or anti the COVID-19 vaccination . Here ’ s how to handle the hard vaccination conversation .
If you have been keeping up to date on the latest news , you would ’ ve seen major corporates such as Discovery , Sanlam and Curro making it a compulsory mandate for their employees to be vaccinated . This is causing huge debate as to how ethical this is , and whether this goes against people ’ s constitutional and human rights . It ’ s going to be interesting to see how this plays out on both a local and global scale .
Over the past few months , I ’ ve come across many people who have been caught up in conversations , debates and arguments about this , and don ’ t know how to handle the vaccination conversation without causing friction . One person shared with me that she has a friend who went as far as saying , “ If you haven ’ t had your vaccination yet , let me know so that I can unfriend you ,” and she doesn ’ t know how to handle this situation , as she really respects this person , and doesn ’ t want to lose the friendship . It ’ s causing her a lot of stress and anxiety .
Firstly , let me put a disclaimer out there that I am not anti the COVID vaccination , and yes , I personally have tested positive for COVID , but thankfully did not suffer severe illness , despite falling into the high-risk category due to being asthmatic . This article is not about picking a side , it ’ s about being able to see both perspectives , and how to come out of a COVID vaccination conversation relatively unscathed .
The Big Debate
Some people have very strong beliefs that everyone should be vaccinated , so that we can get to herd immunity . Others are hesitant , because they don ’ t feel there is enough data available yet on the possible side-effects of the vaccine , and the extent to which natural immunity contributes to herd immunity . There may well be some truth to both these views , but does that mean we have the right to impose our views on each other ? you don ’ t have to justify that to anyone .
• Hold grudges or resent others for their vaccination choices – it ’ s their constitutional and human right to make a personal choice .
• Judge people that have chosen to vaccinate or not vaccinate – it ’ s a personal choice .
• Argue with others about whether it ’ s their moral obligation or responsibility – everyone has a right to choose .
• Try to convince somebody what they should do – it ’ s not your right to decide for anyone .
If you find yourself caught up in a vaccination conversation that you feel is getting out of control , you have every right to pause the conversation , or exclude yourself from the conversation , and to maintain some form of respect and peace between all parties involved . You may even go as far as to declare the COVID vaccination a “ no-go ” topic of conversation , as a way of respecting everyone ’ s views and choices , and protect relationships in the process .
At the end of the day , everyone has a right to their choice , and what they do with their body . The most important thing we can do as a society is respect each other ’ s views while remaining human towards each other .
Images : Pexels
I would put this conversation in the same category as proor anti-abortion , and the death penalty . There is no definitive right or wrong answer , and there is no pleasing everyone . It boils down to personal choice , at the end of the day , whether that be based on your faith , religion or beliefs , or medical or other reasons . So just how do you handle a vaccination conversation like this ? Irrespective of what your views may be , here are some do ’ s and don ’ ts
Do :
• Be open to hearing other people ’ s views and perspectives without trying to shut each other down .
• Agree to disagree in a respectful way – neither view is right or wrong , it ’ s a personal choice .
• Share with others where you stand on the vaccination so that there is clarity on your perspective , and others know where they stand with you .
• Take responsibility for keeping yourself safe with the basic protocols ( mask , sanitise and physical distance ), which will contribute to protecting others , too .
Don ’ t :
• Try to impose your views on others , everyone has a right to their perspective .
• Threaten people if their personal choice differs to yours .
• Feel guilty about the choice that you have made – it ’ s personal to you , and
Paula Quinsee is a relationship and life coach , Tedx speaker and author of Embracing Conflict and Embracing No . She is a passionate advocate for healthy relationships and personal transformation , and works with both individuals and companies to better understand relationship patterns , communication and conflict styles , emotional behaviours and traits , and how to have healthier human interactions in both our personal and workplace worlds . More info at www . paulaquinsee . com .
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