Date: Wednesday, Shevat 5596
From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer
To: Rabbi Yehuda
A shochet who vowed during serious illness to cease slaughtering may have his vow annulled when the community genuinely needs his service. The author reasons that a distress vow is analogous to a vow made al da'as rabbim, and when there is a true communal need, one may presume both the public and HaKadosh Baruch Hu would consent to its annulment.
Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer YD §10