Healthcare Worker Refuses COVID Vaccine, Gets Fired From Job; Social Media Divided

A healthcare worker who was terminated from her job due to refusal to be vaccinated against coronavirus, has shared a tearful video after her emotional final shift.

Louise Akester, 36, has had her contract terminated because of the government requirement that from November 11 all care workers in hospitals who do not have medical exemptions are double vaccinated against Covid-19.

Supplied

One of 60,000 workers who at risk of getting fired

Akester has been working in healthcare for the past 14 years and is one of the 60,000 plus healthcare staff who are at the risk getting fired after the UK government made it mandatory for all care workers to get vaccinated.

She worked at Alderson House facility in Hull, East Yorkshire in UK and said she was delaying her jab as she wanted to understand whether it had any long-term side effects or not. Despite assurances from experts about vaccines being safe, she refused to take the shots.

MEN media

The emotional video

In a video posted on the internet, filmed on Friday afternoon, tears flow from her eyes as she speaks within minutes of finishing her very last shift.

Louise Akester says in the video: "That's the hardest thing I've ever had to do, saying goodbye to everybody, all the people that I've cared for, for so long, the people I've worked with. It's been so emotional, this is so unfair. Watch the video here.

"I just can't believe what the bloody government is doing to us, I just don't get it, I don't understand."

While Akester has refused to get vaccinated this autumn, as part of her job's requirements, she was tested three times a week for Covid, wore PPE gear and followed "all guidelines relating to infection control".

Paho/Representational Image

Louise Akester views the situation as "unfair" on care workers like herself who are reluctant to be vaccinated. However, she does not rule out getting the vaccine in the longer-term future, but does not intend to be vaccinated now.

Social media is divided

Her video gathered quite a lot of reactions. While some said it was wrong of the hospital to terminate her services, some said she is a frontline worker and should've taken the vaccine by now.

A user wrote, "You are a caregiver and you work with people who do not tolerate Corona so well, you are really out of your job, with your attitude you are a danger for patients."

MEN media

"It's her choice to decline a vaccine, but my choice if I don't want an unvaccinated care home worker in charge of my elderly relative. 'Rights' cut both ways," wrote another.

"You have a duty of care to your patients. This is all on your selfishness. It is utterly pitiful. Cry some more. Stay away from the vulnerable," wrote a third user.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News.