As more countries consider making coronavirus vaccination mandatory, the World Health Organization (WHO) cautioned that inoculation mandates should be seen as "an absolute last resort."
Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO's regional director for Europe, said mandates should be considered only "when all other feasible options to improve vaccination uptake have been exhausted."
Speaking at a Tuesday news conference, Kluge said:
"They have proven effective in some environments to increase vaccine uptake. But the effectiveness of mandates is very context specific. The effect that mandating vaccination could have on public confidence and public trust, as well as vaccination uptake must be considered."
Kluge said mandates should never contribute to increasing social inequalities in access to health and social services, and stressed that there are important regional differences to be considered. "What is acceptable in one society and community may not be effective and acceptable in another," he said. ...
