Discussing the Injustice of the COVID-19 Vaccine Pass Imposed on Medical Consultation in Public Hospitals in Hong Kong

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated public health, economy and social life all over the world, especially wherever a vaccine pass scheme has been implemented. Many countries have begun to relax schedules to return to normal activities. In contrast, Hong Kong continues to tighten the utilisation of a vaccine pass for medical services in order to boost vaccination rates. Such a practice not only significantly challenges ethical and operative concerns but also threatens health equity and social justice for healthcare decision-makers and practitioners, consequently hurting public health and community well-being. This discussion analyses the various arguments, reviews vaccine hesitancy and suggests a holistic approach for solutions (aside from vaccination and medications) to strengthen individual immunity and therefore to deal with this disease more effectively, efficiently and ethically, including personal hygiene and lifestyle.