Some Vegans Are Worried About the Covid-19 Jab — And Who Are We to Sneer?
Morals and medicine don’t always match, and that’s OK
As a vegan, I have no time for people who harm other animals. That could be through overt violence, like slaughter. Or deliberate ignorance, like convincing ourselves that organic meat is somehow more ethical.
Most of us grow up understanding that hurting animals, especially the human variety, is wrong. It shouldn’t happen, and it doesn’t need to either.
That’s the logic that led me to veganism. And that same logic leads me to believe that ethical vegans should get the jab.
Still, I refuse to sneer at vegans who feel conflicted about getting the jab on ethical grounds. It’s unhelpful. It doesn’t get to the root of the problem.
As veganism has grown in popularity it’s been somewhat contorted. People who eat plant-based for health or environmental reasons are claiming the title. People who ‘only eat vegan while they’re at home’ don’t see the contradiction within that phrase.
This all makes veganism seem like a flip-flop, ‘see-how-I-feel-on-the-day’ decision. It dilutes the fundamental message of ethical veganism, which is a moral position — and thus protected in law.
Because of this protected status, vegans may soon be exempt from getting the jab in the UK. This is a hot topic right now, as the UK is mulling over vaccine passports for nightclubs and other large venues. Some employers want to mandate vaccines for staff, too.
Vegans aren’t being fussy or faddy when they express concern about the vaccine. It’s driven by a deep, moral framework that puts animal liberation at the heart of all their choices. In some ways, it’s commendable.
The Vegan Society defines veganism as:
“… a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practicable — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment.”
The vaccine doesn’t contain animal products, but like all medications in this country, it is tested on animals.
Animal testing is vile. The more you look into it, the more repulsed and distressed you’ll be. I understand why many feel conflicted about taking this vaccine.
The uncomfortable truth about living in this world? Sometimes it’s worth going against your principles for the greater good.
It’s something I think about when I pay my taxes, knowing that while a lot of this money will help my community, a portion will fund nuclear weapons. It’s distressing. Refusing to pay taxes isn’t the solution, as my community would miss out on much-needed funds. There are other more targeted ways to push for the world we want to see.
Everyone should make well-informed decisions about their own healthcare. But to me, vaccines deserve special consideration.
As vegans, we want to end suffering for all animals. That includes humans. I don’t see any benefit in prolonging the pandemic and putting others at risk for the sake of animals who have unfortunately already suffered.
You can get vaccinated and still continue to fight animal testing. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.
The fight against animal testing must continue, and it’s right to call attention to the role this plays in medicine. However, Animal Aid, a leading charity against animal testing, is encouraging supporters to say yes when they’re offered the jab.
“Ethical vegans want an end to animal exploitation and by keeping well, you are more likely to be able to campaign on behalf of the animals and to help secure real change.” — Animal Aid.
I can’t help but agree. Right now, I won’t be changing anything by refusing the vaccine. But I’d be leaving myself, my family, and my community at greater risk. I don’t see how that helps animals.
I’ve already had my first dose and I know other vegans who have done the same. The definition that we unite under also recognises the limitations we face in this world. So “as far as is possible and practicable”, we’ll avoid harming animals, and our fellow humans too.
