After several health experts claimed that vaccination against the new coronavirus will not manage to ensure global herd immunity in 2021, some political factors proposed that immunization be mandatory for air travel.
Thus, the airline Qantas Airways from Australia stated that it intends to introduce such a requirement for its customers.
Consequently, Gloria Guevara, executive director of the global tourism organization World Travel and Tourism Council, totally opposes the proposed measures and says they are similar to workplace discrimination.
She was also supported by the CEO of AirAsia Group, Tony Fernandez, who said that the testing method remained the key to being able to travel.
However, the comments of the two were contradicted by the majority of respondents to an online poll, who supported the necessity of vaccination for people who want to travel. Some health experts claim that mass vaccination will not ensure global herd immunity against the COVID-19 pandemic this year, citing limited access to vaccines for poor countries, trust issues among communities, and the potential emergence of mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vaccination mandatory for all flights?No, the requirement depends on the policies of individual airlines and the regulations of the destination countries.
Why do some airlines oppose mandatory vaccination?Organizations like the WTTC consider this measure discriminatory and prefer testing as a primary safety method.
Will vaccination ensure herd immunity in 2021?Health experts warn that global herd immunity is unlikely in 2021 due to unequal access to vaccines and potential virus mutations.