Health Minister Vladimir Lengvarský (an OLaNO nominee) told journalists on Monday that he has already prepared a document concerning compulsory vaccination against Covid. "We can talk about whether to introduce mandatory vaccination or not and for what groups of the population. It might apply to health-care staff, critical infrastructure employees, care-home staff or teachers. Nevertheless, I believe that this is an issue to be debated," said the minister. Seventy percent of health-care workers have already been vaccinated. The minister mentioned the possibility of introducing mandatory vaccination for certain groups of the population last week.
Elena Prokopová, the Health Ministry's chief expert on paediatrics, does not think that making vaccination against Covid mandatory will increase vaccination rates. In her opinion the decision on compulsory vaccination of certain groups of people will need to be considered very carefully. "Instead of this, it is necessary to explain to people how important this vaccination is," said Prokopová. At the same time, she feels that now that the measures have been relaxed, people are no longer aware of the importance of vaccination.
Minister of Education, Science, Research and Sports Branislav Gröhling (SaS) is also in favour of educating people on vaccination. "We want to make full use of all the tools supporting the voluntary motivation of people. I do not think that we should motivate them financially or by giving orders," said the Minister.
