Covid-19 Vaccine Mandates: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Over decades, vaccination has been proven to be a successful strategy to combat the spread of infectious diseases
such as measles, tetanus, and polio amongst children and adults. When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged the
biotech industry have put out a historical effort into developing vaccines to contain the pandemic. These vaccines
have shown high efficacy in preventing disease transmission and associated risks. However, misinformation and
lack of trust have caused a large proportion of the population to be skeptical about these vaccines. Authorities of
different nations have established numerous policies to increase vaccination coverage, however in many areas
mandates have not been well received. People’s views on vaccinations are immensely impacted by their society
and cultural beliefs, and enforcing mandates, although beneficial, may have negative consequences. This review
discusses the COVID-19 vaccines from cultural and societal aspects; the main reasons withholding the public
from receiving vaccination; the human rights angle of enforcing vaccination; and the challenges and prospects of
establishing vaccine mandates.