Understandably we have received a number of questions regarding the Covid-19 vaccines. Please take care to read the statement issued by the Bishops Conference of England and Wales. The Bishops’ Conference Statement states:
The development of a vaccine against COVID-19 presents an important breakthrough in protecting others as well as oneself from the virus; a virus which has not only caused a global pandemic and led to a huge loss of life but has also placed a great burden on healthcare workers and systems.
Each of us has a duty to protect others from infection with its danger of serious illness, and for some, death. A vaccine is the most effective way to achieve this unless one decides to self-isolate.
Each Catholic must educate his or her conscience on this matter and decide what to do, also bearing in mind that a vaccine must be safe, effective, and universally available, especially to the poor of the world.
Catholics may in good conscience receive any of these vaccines for the good of others and themselves. In good conscience, one may refuse a particular vaccine but [one] continues to have a duty to protect others from infection.
The full document may be viewed here:
www.cbcew.org.uk/home/our- work/health-social-care/coronavirus- guidelines/update-on-covid-19-and- vaccination/