ETHICS WORKSHEET

In the resolution made by the National Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the
Management of Emerging Infectious Disease series 2021, dated and approved
November 11, 2021, page 2 - paragraph A states;
A. In areas where there are sufficient supplies of COVID-19 vaccines as
determined by the National Vaccines Operation Center (NVOC), all
establishments and employers in the public and private sector shall
require their eligible employees who are tasked to do on-site work to be
vaccinated against COVID-19. Eligible employees who remain to be
unvaccinated may not be terminated solely by reason thereof.
However, they shall be required to undergo RT-PCR tests regularly at
their own expense for purposes of on-site work. Provided that, antigen
tests may be resorted to when RT-PCR capacity is insufficient or not
immediately available.

What is the ethical issue/problem?

The government, through the National Inter-Agency Task Force, has issued a
resolution requiring all employees in the public and private sector to be vaccinated, or
else they will regularly undergo RT-PCR tests at their expense before they can report
on-site.
Some individual refuse to be vaccinated because;
a) It’s against their religious beliefs;
b) They are pregnant at their first trimester;
c) They are not confident on the efficacy of the available vaccines;
d) They know of somebody who got seriously ill, or have died due to the
“side effects” (though it’s not yet clear if it’s true) of vaccines.

1. What are the ethical decisions you must render in each of these cases knowing that
the government is just after the welfare of its citizens as well as its economic growth?
a) It’s against their religious beliefs.
- The ethical decision I must render in this kind of case knowing that the
government is just after the welfare of its citizens as well as its economic
growth is limiting people's personal freedom when it's necessary to protect
others is widely accepted as ethical across a wide range of secular and
religious worldviews and traditions, because those who practice religious
and/or philosophical exemptions are more likely to contract infections,
putting themselves and their communities at risk.
b) They are pregnant at their first trimester.
- The ethical decision I must render in this kind of case knowing that the
government is just after the welfare of its citizens as well as its economic
growth is more research is needed to better characterize each COVID
vaccine's safety profile in pregnancy. When the benefits outweigh the
risks, everyone supports COVID vaccination during pregnancy.
c) They are not confident on the efficacy of the available vaccines.
 - The ethical decision I must render in this kind of case knowing that the
government is just after the welfare of its citizens as well as its economic
growth is promoting confidence in the effectiveness and safety through
effective communication, as well as trust in the ability to procure and
distribute them efficiently and equitably.

d) They know of somebody who got seriously ill, or have died due to the
“side effects” (though it’s not yet clear if it’s true) of vaccines.
- The ethical decision I must render in this kind of case knowing that the
government is just after the welfare of its citizens as well as its economic
growth preferable to consult experts or conduct a thorough research over
the internet in able to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccinations and its
effects. Do not rely on unreliable sources or hearsays. There are cases
and instances where people get a fever after getting vaccinated, but
health professional say it's a normal side effect of taking the vaccine to
feel sick or have a fever. However, this should not be used as an excuse
for people not to be vaccinated.
2. Applying the things you learned from this course, do you think it is just and right for
the government to require employees to be vaccinated regardless of their situation or
beliefs? Why or why not?
- Yes, it is just and right for the government to require employees to be
vaccinated regardless of their situation or beliefs because it is intended to assist
employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace free from recognized hazards
that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Vaccination is the
most effective way to protect against severe illness or death from COVID-19 and the
best control measure available to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
3. If you may suggest, how will you address this prevailing issue to guarantee safety to
all citizens as well as ensuring economic growth without coercing them to be
vaccinated?
- If I may suggest, I will address this prevailing issue to guarantee safety to all
citizens as well as ensuring economic growth without coercing them to be vaccinated
by strictly adhering to all safety measures and protocols being set at all times,
because they are dangerous due to their low viral protection. This is intended to
assist them in avoiding as much danger as possible.
4. As future law enforcer, you are aware of the importance of following mandates, rules
and regulations being impose by authorities. How will you convince those people who
still don’t want to be vaccinated without resorting to violence?
- As future law enforcer, I will convince those people who still don't want to be
vaccinated without resorting to violence by providing information about COVID-19
vaccination and enacting policies and practices that are both supportive and equitable.
Individuals should share messages that are clear, complete, and accurate, instill
confidence in the decision to get vaccinated, and engage people in plans to overcome
potential barriers to vaccination. Trust is the most vital component of all vaccines. The
ability of governments to communicate the benefits of vaccination and to deliver
vaccines safely and effectively is critical. While the development of COVID19 vaccines
has been a huge success, vaccinating the majority of the world's population is a huge
task for which gaining – and maintaining – public trust in COVID19 vaccines and
vaccination will be just as important as the vaccines' effectiveness. Furthermore, the
COVID19 experience is likely to shape confidence in other vaccines, making it even
more critical to build confidence now.

Prepared & Submitted by:

JESSA MAE F. RIPALDA

Submitted to:

ROLAND A. MATUGAS