Statement by EPECS
EPECS is a Dutch foundation established on 1.09.2007 by Belgian, German, Dutch and Luxembourg citizens.
The work of EPECS focuses on the health and well-being of citizens and patients in the EU and, in particular, on cross-border healthcare and healthcare provision.
The COVID pandemic has caused much suffering and concern to citizens for over two years now. In the Benelux countries and Germany alone, over 165,000 citizens have died from COVID.
Although the societal restrictions we have faced have clearly slowed the spread of the virus, there is no doubt from the medical and scientific evidence that the vaccines are very effective against the COVID virus.
COVID deaths have decreased markedly.
The vaccines have also reduced the number of COVID patients in hospital intensive care units. Other patients whose operations had to be postponed can now be treated optimally.
In conclusion, the burden of health care is normalising and a collapse has been prevented.
In principle, compulsory vaccination is lawful and does not violate human rights. (ECtHR, 8 April 2021, no. 47621/13, Vavricka c. Czech Republic)
EPECS is convinced that universal vaccination will allow us to stop the pandemic.
Although it may be difficult to eradicate the virus once and for all, vaccination clearly protects the health system and the elderly.
Vaccination saves lives!
EPECS therefore believes that compulsory vaccination is absolutely necessary, at least in the health sector and for the elderly. EU countries can introduce compulsory vaccination if not enough people have actually been vaccinated on a voluntary basis. Because of this covid pandemic, an 85% vaccination coverage rate is required.
EPECS therefore calls on political leaders to take the necessary measures as soon as possible in the interest of citizens and patients.
EPECS (European Patients Empowerment for Customised Solutions)
February 2022