opinion
There is only one way to defeat Corona: with a mandatory vaccination. Before the federal election, no politician dares, no politician to demand that. Although it would be correct.
I am a freedom-loving person. I don’t think much of bans. They irritate the defiant child in man. Scientists call it “psychological reactance”. That’s why I was against compulsory vaccination. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether or not to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Compulsory vaccination is a serious encroachment on people’s rights to freedom. Enlightenment instead of coercion. I was sure of that. Until I dealt with the history of mandatory vaccination. Now I am in favor of compulsory vaccination. And as quickly as possible.
The history of the fight against smallpox shows: Unfortunately, there is no other way. The success of compulsory vaccination for smallpox, which has almost led to the eradication of the disease, means learning to win against corona. And also from the GDR, yes, this totalitarian state that no longer exists.
Smallpox took people away for centuries. How many victims there were remains uncounted. In the 20th century, 400 million people worldwide died from the infectious disease. In 1796, when the English country doctor Edward Jenner incorporated cowpox into an eight-year-old boy, a method of vaccination was found. At that time there was still small states in Germany. The sovereigns wanted to vaccinate their subjects. In Prussia alone, more than 40,000 people died of smallpox every year in the 18th century.
Vaccination opponents particularly strong in Saxony
Prussia’s King Friedrich Wilhelm III. relied on enlightenment, did not want to know anything about coercion. The vaccination readiness was accordingly poor. Maximilian from Bavaria made the smallpox vaccination compulsory in 1807. As one of the first sovereigns. The number of deaths decreased. At that time there were already anti-vaccination opponents, particularly strong in Saxony, where more people promptly died of smallpox. Although many people got vaccinated, many people did not get vaccinated either. Not even for coins and good words. Herd immunity was not achieved. It happened as it had to: in 1871 there was a bad smallpock wave that went around the world and claimed many lives.
In the meantime there was the German Reich, which introduced compulsory vaccination against smallpox in 1874. If necessary, children were brought before the police to be vaccinated. A creepy idea, admittedly. But it helped. The number of people suffering from smallpox and those who died from smallpox fell drastically. Many countries followed suit. The World Health Organization (WHO) took care of the rest with a worldwide vaccination campaign. Today smallpox is considered defeated. There is only a few more countries in danger. The compulsory vaccination is a success story.
Vaccinations were compulsory in the GDR
The same applies to the GDR, where various vaccinations were mandatory. Many infectious diseases, which were still a problem in the West, were considered to have been suppressed there, such as polio. West Germany had the most polio sufferers in Europe. There were four cases in the GDR at the same time.
Ergo: vaccination works. Fights disease to flight. But only if as many as possible take part. When herd immunity is achieved depends on the level of danger a virus poses. A vaccination rate of 98 percent could be required for Covid-19. At the moment, just 44.6 million people in Germany are fully vaccinated. A little more than half, so. The willingness to vaccinate is high. According to a study by the Federal Center for Health Education, 80 percent are positive about vaccinations. Unfortunately still not enough. Like back then with smallpox. History evidently repeats itself after all.
Measles major killer of children
What have we not taken upon ourselves to drive out Corona, at least to keep it small. Had us locked up, had to and must wear masks. There were nightly curfews. Anyone returning from abroad must now submit a negative test. These are all serious encroachments on fundamental rights. There is no end in sight if humanity is not vaccinated. On the contrary, now Delta is threatening with the fourth wave.
Nor would it be the first mandatory vaccination in Germany. Children and certain professional groups must be vaccinated against measles. Measles is a major cause of child death globally.
But no politician wants to use the word “mandatory vaccination” or even “mandatory vaccination” so shortly before the federal elections in September. Costs votes. Then a compulsory vaccination through the back door. Those who are not vaccinated cannot travel to the cinema or to a restaurant. Completely justified. It just won’t do anything. Because again it won’t be enough for herd immunity.
Yes, there are fates that are terrible. The daughter of the writer Daniela Krien (“Die Liebe im Ernstfall”) has been severely disabled since a vaccination. It is understandable that Krien is against compulsory vaccination, as she told the “Tagesspiegel”. People who have had side effects after being vaccinated also have good reasons to refuse to be vaccinated. You could get rid of your family doctor. My guess: Then only a few people would be left who had not been vaccinated. Herd immunity through coercion. Sorry, but unfortunately there is no other way. And the spook would be over soon. Finally.
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
