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KYW Medical Report: Is it ethical to refuse the COVID-19 vaccine?

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — When can vaccinated people stop making lifestyle changes to protect those who have refused to be vaccinated?

It's a question no one wants to address, but the more successful vaccination becomes, the closer we will be to facing a tough decision.


At present time, most of the country is not vaccinated, and ethicists agree it is wrong for vaccinated people to put others at risk by taking off their masks in public.

In the coming months, health officials hope all of those who want to be vaccinated will have been given the shots. But when, if ever, will it be ethically acceptable to stop wearing masks with the knowledge that those not vaccinated — by their own choice — have no protection against the virus?

According to acclaimed bioethicist Art Caplan, there will be a time when enough people have been vaccinated that the social obligation will end. Until then, education about the importance of vaccines needs to continue.

KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.