UK government-approved and licensed COVID-19 vaccines have been rolled out throughout the UK over the last two years.
Available government data suggests current vaccines protect more than 70% of people from becoming severely ill if they contract the coronavirus.
The majority of individuals have previously taken vaccines without concern. However, what guidance is available to assist in deciding whether or not to take the vaccine? Information to aid you in your decision can be found through the following links:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-medicines-regulator-gives-approval-for-first-uk-covid-19-vaccine
- https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2020-11-23-oxford-university-breakthrough-global-covid-19-vaccine
The statement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on the COVID-19 vaccines is available here: https://www.adventist.org/articles/immunization/.
It reads:
The Seventh-day Adventist Church places strong emphasis on health and well-being. The Adventist health emphasis is based on biblical revelation, the inspired writing of E.G. White (co-founder of the Church), and on peer-reviewed scientific literature. As such, we encourage responsible immunisation/vaccination, and have no religious or faith-based reason not to encourage our adherents to responsibly participate in protective and preventive immunisation programmes. We value the health and safety of the population, which includes the maintenance of herd immunity.
April 15, 2015
We are not the conscience of the individual church member and recognise individual choices. These are exercised by the individual. The choice not to be immunised is not and should not be seen as the dogma nor the doctrine of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
For anyone who would like further advice and guidance from the BUC Health Ministries department please email: splattmcdonald@adventist.uk
