It is interesting the current push by governments and individuals requesting that the unvaccinated pay more for health care.
Health care in most western democracies is generally free or low cost (there are exceptions).
My comments on this topic refer to health services in Australia, and I am reading a number of commentary from individuals, professionals and politicians that are supporting the concept that if a person is unvaccinated, they have to pay their health bill. I believe this is discrimination on a number of equity issues.
My reasoning is this, if we are requesting that unvaccinated people must pay for their health services, why then are not a number of other individuals that elect to voluntary participate in activities that risk hospitalisation or are in a specific demographic are not also required to pay for their health services. On an equal footing, we are not required to have a flu vaccination, yet thousands are hospitalised and in fact succumb to the common flu (in extreme flu years more than 2,000 annually). So, why are we not also required to pay for health services?
Other activities and demographics that result in hospitalisation such as:
- Footballers
- under 25 male motorbike and car drivers
- Over 60’s activity participants
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Other sport activities that are risky
Why are we not requesting these people also pay their way?
We do not ask these individuals to contribute to their medical services if they require medical services, so why are we asking those individuals who do not wish to be vaccinated to pay for theirs. It is all about choice, regardless of extreme sporting activities or vaccination status.