COVID Vaccination
Dear Rabbi,
My mother was born Jewish, which I understand makes me Jewish as well. I’m recently forced under the threat of being sent for unpaid leave and consequently loss of job to take the Covid vaccine. The job is a well paying job, very hard to replace, and I have a family including three children that I have to take care of. I have also quite a few financial obligations, including a large mortgage etc.
Yet, I have already survived Covid and have natural immunity, which is far better than the immunity acquired through vaccines, as confirmed by substantial body of evidence, including large-scale studies conducted in Israel.
The vaccines bring a substantial risk of negative to health side effects. In view of those facts, it seems to me in my limited understanding that taking the vaccine would be contrary to G-d’ s will, as I would put my life in danger for no good reason. I should mention that I have medical conditions which make taking the vaccines more of a hazard to my well-being. My physician said that the risk of the vaccine is nevertheless low, and in view of the position taken by the medical society she cannot help me get a medical exemption.
Thus, my question to you is should I agree to take the vaccines or not?
The matter is argent and of great importance. I would greatly appreciate your response and advice which will be helpful in making the final decision.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
C. F. (true name and email redacted for privacy)
Answers
Whilst I truly empathize with your dilemma, your question is not really one that can be answered in an email forum. It requires the input of an Orthodox Rabbi who is an expert in medical issues and particularly in the realms of COVID and the vaccination.
Subsequently, despite the urgency of your question, I would strongly suggest that you speak with a local Rabbi who can help put you in contact with a local authority who will be able to answer your question.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team