National Security Council halves the number of mandatory vaccinations

The National Security Council has ordered mandatory swine flu vaccination for 8,000 Czech soldiers. The issue was discussed at the highest level after President Vaclav Klaus, who is commander in chief of the armed forces, intervened to prevent mandatory vaccination for 16,000 soldiers, many of whom did not want the shot. Mr. Klaus said it was unacceptable to enforce this decision unless there was a serious threat of an epidemic. He asked the country’s hygiene officer to clarify the position at a meeting of the National Security Council. After hearing the report the council halved the proposed number of mandatory vaccinations.