Coronavirus pandemic outbreak in 2019 posed significant health challenges worldwide as fatalities increased daily. Nonetheless, medical research practitioners around the globe revamped their efforts to seek a lasting solution to curb the pandemic. As a consequence, a number of vaccines were produced to help combat the prevalence of the pandemic (Berezow). However, the administration of vaccines has invoked debate in almost every corner of the planet as people argue whether its administration should be made mandatory. In some quarters, the availability of the vaccine presents an opportunity for families to protect themselves, while others see it as a way of governments controlling the population (Reiss). The disease has resulted in rock downs and other movement restriction measures, and as such, the integration of vaccines provides hope for the future. However, vaccines have been developed within a short duration, raising the worldwide concern of its efficacy, safety, accessibility, and public health ethics. In this paper, I will argue, despite the immense benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines, they should not be mandatory for the entire population.

The COVID-19 vaccines should not be made mandatory since their efficacy and safety over the long term usage have not been sufficiently determined. According to an article developed by Berezow (2021), prior to the mandatory issuance of the vaccines. He asserts that people need to know that the vaccine is effective and efficient in the long term and not just in the short term (Berezow). Other vaccines such as MMR and DTaP have been proven to confer protection over a lifetime. Notably, the coronavirus vaccine’s long-term protection is yet to be determined. Additionally, Berezow (2021) asserts that there have been a significant number of clinical trials leading to the development of many doses for administration, stressing that the vaccine is safe. Nevertheless, he holds that vaccines show rare side effects, and as such, the general public is curious to know the side effects prior to making it mandatory (Berezow). Even though the determination of the side effects will take a significant period of time, it is worth the wait. The state governments that are after making it mandatory for the citizens to receive COVID-19 jab ought to address the efficacy and safety of the vaccine irrespective of the time it will take to offer the public health assurances.

Secondly, the COVID-19 vaccines should not be mandatory as there are not enough doses for everyone, mistrust, and legal barriers. According to Reiss (2020), the level of COVID-19 vaccines supply topples the demand around the world. Currently, the number of vaccines required is extremely low compared to a country’s population. As such, a limited capacity in producing the vaccines has raised the question of who is supposed to be prioritized for vaccines rather than making it mandatory (Reiss). The only possibility of mandating the vaccine is when it will be broadly accessible for all, and since it will take a significant period of time, the pandemic may have withered, revoking the need for making the vaccine mandatory. Those prioritized hinges on various factors such as life and its quality. The vaccine’s effectiveness and benefits largely depend on the relevant public and their perception of the benefits (Alberto et al., 350). The notion of saving as many as possible from coronavirus involves ensuring life quality healthcare system protection, and protecting the essential services for the general population, disregarding the need for legislation.

Mistrust surrounding the vaccine development and issuance makes it futile for the vaccine to be easily accepted by everyone. According to a poll done by Gallup in the United States, approximately a third of the population would decline free issuance of the vaccine even though approved by the FDA and ready (Reiss). Even though this can be attributed to lack of information and the spread of false information, there is increased skepticism and concerns on the rationale behind why various states opt for mandatory jabs. This has been escalated by masks, and social distance politics and enforcement amid mistrust will increasingly elevate the vaccine uptake resistance. In the united states, mandatory vaccine, especially among adults, faces significant legal issues, and their issuance will likely result in legal battles in the court of law (Reiss). Therefore, before making the vaccine mandatory, the states should ensure the public has sufficient information concerning vaccines to build trust and minimize the likelihood of legal battles challenging the mandate.

Another reason why COVID-19 vaccines should not be made mandatory is that the sanctions will not increase their uptake. Previous research carried out under the watch of the European Union about epidemics and pandemics revealed that vaccines uptake does not