Should the new Covid-19 vaccine be made optional or mandatory?

A global vaccine to beat Coronavirus is the solution that we are hoping for so we can get back to life as we know it.

Scientists and medical researchers across the UK have welcomed the “very encouraging” results from the University of Oxford’s coronavirus vaccine trials.

The speed at which the trial has been conducted has also been praised, with the preliminary results suggesting the vaccine is safe and causes few side effects.

Professor Fiona Watt, executive chairwoman of the Medical Research Council, which helped to fund the trial, said: “It is truly remarkable how fast this vaccine has progressed, with our support, through early clinical trials, and it is very encouraging that it shows no safety concerns and evokes strong immune responses.

“There is a lot that we don’t yet know about immunity to the virus that causes Covid-19.

“However, it seems that both antibody and T cell immunity are important, and this vaccine triggers both responses.”

Alex Harris, head of Global Policy & Advocacy at Wellcome, said: “This is just one crucial step but it’s very encouraging, and builds on the incredible global research effort during this crisis.”

“Covid-19 is a global challenge: no one is safe until everyone is safe. The fastest, most effective way to beat the disease and end this pandemic is by securing vaccines, tests and treatments for those who are at most risk everywhere.”

What are your views? When the new vaccine is tested trialed and deemed safe, will you be happy to be vaccinated? Should being vaccinated be optional or compulsory to have it?