Vaccine mandates are "an absolute last resort," WHO's Europe chief says

Vaccine mandates are "an absolute last resort," WHO's Europe chief says As more countries consider making coronavirus vaccination mandatory, the World Health Organization (WHO) cautioned that inoculation mandates should be seen as "an absolute last resort." By <a href="/profiles/ivana-kottasova">Ivana Kottasová</a> and Ed Upright, CNN CNN

As more countries consider making coronavirus vaccination mandatory, the World Health Organization (WHO) cautioned that inoculation mandates should be seen as "an absolute last resort."

Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO's regional director for Europe, said mandates should be considered only "when all other feasible options to improve vaccination uptake have been exhausted." 

Speaking at a Tuesday news conference, Kluge said:

Kluge said mandates should never contribute to increasing social inequalities in access to health and social services, and stressed that there are important regional differences to be considered. "What is acceptable in one society and community may not be effective and acceptable in another," he said.  ...