Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for oral health professionals (OHPs) - Ethical appraisal

The recently detected South African variant, Covid-19, 501Y.V2 is more transmissible, though not virulent as the initial strain.1 morbidity and mortality rates due to this variant have risen exponentially, putting huge pressure on healthcare system, locally globally. As a consequence government imposed hard lockdown measures (level 3) means curb pandemic. Governments around world are scrambling obtain roll-out Covid-19 vaccination programs save lives livelihoods. Most developed countries initiated inoculations, amid widespread misinformation hesitancy. Literature indicate that professionals (HCPs) generally complacent hesitant about vaccination. COVID-19 uptake likely be suboptimal among HCPs general populations. voluntary immunization program will commence in February 2021, Healthcare first vaccinated. It remains seen if cohort achieve desired vaccinations rates. Failure for influential group vaccinate could derail lead failure herd immunity. In face of emerging vaccine hesitancy HCPs, should oral health compelled vaccinate? Will any refusal by OHPs immunized morally justified? Oral context paper, represent all involved management dental patients. No singular ethical framework held sufficient resolve these questions. This paper interrogates aspect clinical ethics, including Hippocratic Oath, principilism, public ethics (Utilitarianism) Kantian deontology, tackle questions raised. We conclude moral duty vaccinated against Covid-19.