Position Statement on Covid-19 Vaccine Mandates

NZDSOS joins thousands of physicians and scientists across the world, calling for the immediate cessation of all mandates and vaccine passports.

A. New Zealand Bill of Rights Act

NZDSOS is not an “anti-vaccine” organisation. Our position regarding Covid-19 Vaccine Mandates does not differ from that of our long-held and hallowed position as doctors regarding all vaccinations and medical treatments. We uphold the right to informed consent and the patient’s fundamental right to refuse any medical treatment. This right is enshrined in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 Sections 10 and 11:

• Section 10: Every person has the right not to be subjected to medical or scientific experimentation without that person’s consent.
• Section 11: Everyone has the right to refuse to undergo any medical treatment.

We are alarmed that the New Zealand Government has chosen to over-ride these fundamental rights by issuing the Covid-19 Response (Vaccinations) Legislation Act 2021 which allows the Minister to make Covid-19 Vaccination Orders under the Covid-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 and require Covid-19 Vaccination Certificates for access to various services. This legislation effectively mandates the vaccination to the vast majority of New Zealanders.

B. Public Health

The majority of working people are not at high risk for severe Covid-19, particularly with the Omicron variant likely to become endemic. Mandating sectors of the workforce servicing Public Health that are already under pressure such as Healthcare, Teachers, 1st Responders and Surf-lifesavers may result in large gaps in public health provision. This is likely to result in the risks of reduced health care services far outweighing any possible benefit.

C. Individual Health

We posit that the best defence against any viral illness, is a healthy terrain. Mandates stopping people engaging in exercise at sporting events and gyms is likely to do more harm than good. The stress of isolation and vilification of individuals is likely to further decrease the robustness of the individual’s immune system. Furthermore, the effect of vaccine harms in those mandated cannot be ignored.

D. Efficacy and Safety

Increasing evidence indicates that the Covid-19 vaccines do not prevent transmission. Thus, even if Covid-19 was a much more virulent disease than is currently evident, mandating a leaky and harmful vaccine is without any justification.
Further, if the vaccine was safe and effective, there would be no need to mandate it, as it is likely the unvaccinated population would pose no threat to those who chose to be vaccinated and if it were safe, few people would have any hesitation in receiving it.

E. Declaration

Given the lack of evidence for public health benefit, individual health and considerable risk to the individual, NZDSOS calls for the immediate cessation of all mandates and vaccine passports.