Vaccination indirectly mandatory for government workers

While the government is telling people that vaccination is still a choice and is not mandatory there are many services that a person cannot avail if unvaccinated. Everytime I go to banks, grocery stores and government offices they are now looking for the vaccination card.

For government workers like me, there is a Resolution No. 148-B Series of 2021 that requires all on-site workers to be vaccinated against Covid 19. If the eligible employee is still not vaccinated he/she will only be allowed to go to the workplace after an negative RT-PCR test which the cost will all be expense paid by the employee. If the employee will choose to work-from-home, it will be charged to leave credits. In the resolution, it is stated that being not vaccinated is not a ground for termination from work. Only those with medical certificate issued by Municipal or City Health Office, Provincial Health Office can be ground for ineligibility for vaccination.

This resolution causes a divide among employees. There are employees who are not vaccinated because of Religion or personal preference. They claimed that it is their right not to avail but, the mandate is clear. It is now a choice if they will remain unvaccinated in expense of their jobs. It is as if their freedom is curtailed. Because of the mandate, it is as if they are forced to be vaccinated.

While we know that the government make these guidelines for the prevention, control and management of Covid-19 there are still people who have fears about the effects of the vaccine. If not the short term effect, on its long term.

Covid-19 Vaccine for Kids

On the other hand, the government is now starting to have orientation on Covid-19 vaccination for kids aging 5-11 years old. I have 2 kids with these ages. I am still torn between having my kids vaccinated or not. I am also fearful when it comes to my kids. I am thinking on adverse effects to kids. Maybe I will still observe on what will be the feedbacks of those who availed it.

Closing thoughts

The world is on fight against this Covid-19 for 2 years already. Yet, we feel that it is not yet over and many different variants are identified from time to time. IATF also issues Alert Levels on different regions with high numbers of cases. Everyone are affected but at least coping. The question still remain. When will this end? No one knows. But God's promises are true that he will never forsake His people. He is our help. We cling to His promise of comfort protection and that He is control of everything.

Disclaimer: I am not against vaccines and this article are just my thoughts and opinions from what I heard and observed in our workplace. It is not intended to cause debate or arguments.

Lead Image from Pixabay

Reference Resolution : https://mirror.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2021/11nov/20211111-IATF-Resolution-148B.pdf

2.2.2022

~MizLhaine