Vaccination has been termed as one of the greatest achievements of the 20 th century in public health in the US. Proponents of compulsory vaccination strongly believe that every gain can be lost if people choose when to and when not to be vaccinated. Whether using religious, personal beliefs or philosophical grounds for not accepting vaccination, the danger of the resurgence of the deadly vaccine-preventable diseases remains a danger to the whole society. On the other hand, the opponents of compulsory vaccination argue that they have the right to make choices about their health as enshrined in the constitution. Further, they bolster their argument by indicating that immunization can cause injury and lead to disability. While the debate on compulsory vaccination continues, evidence suggests the chances of the resurgence of vaccine-preventable infections with the new epidemiological profile is looming. Data from CDC indicates that infections in children and adults have been witnessed due to ignoring of vaccines.
On the other hand, the anti-vaccine movement is steadily gaining momentum with McCarthy the celebrity being the greatest influence on social media. Disneyland's 2014 measles outbreak was largely linked to the low vaccination rates among children in California. Many of the children who got the infection were those who were not immunized. While the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases is now low due to herd immunization of 90-95%, the diseases can reemerge especially in places that have people coming from other countries. Although many states have the vaccine exemption regulation that allows for medical and non-medical exemptions, many of the states such as New York are moving towards making stricter laws towards such exemptions, especially for children. Proponents argue that vaccines are safe and effective and that the refusal to get vaccine jab endangers the lives of others. Those opponents claim that evidence shows that vaccines lead to other disorders such as autism. While everyone has the right to make decisions on their health, individual interests should not supersede those of the larger community. Therefore, opposing vaccination is detrimental to society especially to groups that are vulnerable and cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons making compulsory vaccination a necessary step for everyone.
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The Literature Review
To better understand the underpinnings of compulsory vaccination monitored by federal and state agencies and the controversies surrounding it, going back to history is vital. The events that shaped the need for vaccination and the impacts of the vaccine compliance will be taken into account. Further, this review will provide a detailed examination of the two sides of the arguments for and against compulsory vaccination starting with the pro, which argues, for mandatory vaccination. This will be followed by the opponent's claim which argues for the freedom of choice on whether to use vaccines or not as this freedom is enshrined in the constitution.
A Brief Look at Vaccination in the US
Prior to the use of vaccines in the US and other parts of the world, infectious diseases were dreaded due to the devastating death tolls they could cause. The mortality rates of adults and children alike were disconcerting, yet the only therapy that could be employed is the treatment of the symptoms and quarantine (Polaska, 2012). The first use of vaccines in the US date back to the 1790's. Malone & Hinman 2003 note that vaccines are the most significant human progress in the public health of the 20 th century. Infections that swept hundreds of Americans at a go such as smallpox, polio, rubella, and diphtheria were contained with high efficiency using vaccines. Anti-vaccination proponents have existed alongside those who are for vaccination spreading fear and controversy over the topic. Malon & Hinman 2003 argue that the controversy surrounding vaccination can be summed up by societal and individual interests in the use of the same. While the opponents say that they have the right to make choices concerning their health, compulsory vaccine is a constitutional mandate in protecting the interests of the larger society. Lois & Dorit, 2018 trace the federal and state laws on vaccination that argue for compulsory vaccination noting that vaccines are safe and agree that there is a small group of people who have contraindications with vaccines. Thus, making vaccines compulsory not only protects the users but also those who cannot get the vaccine jabs due to medical reasons.
Measles infections in the U.S. skyrocketed last year, with 610 cases reported. That's the highest number since 2000, when the disease that causes a rash, high fever and red, watery eyes were considered to have been eliminated ( Carter, 2015).
The Arguments `on Compulsory Vaccination
The concept of compulsory vaccination has been analogously equated to a community herd where high vaccination rates lead to lower infections, lower mortality rates among children below the age of five and better life expectancy among adults. CDC asserts that vaccines are safe and effective, even though they are not entirely safe nor perfectly effective as evidence shows contraindication in a small number of people and may also result in injury. Similarly, adverse effects that may be experienced after the jab including soreness at the site of injection or fever are minor and usually wear off soon (Stern & Markel, 2005). The opponents of compulsory vaccine argue that vaccines can expose one to paralysis and autism conditions. However, CDC indicates that vaccines the cases of paralysis or any damage that is significant are rare. Additionally, the effects of infections such as polio are life threatening not only to the individual but others.
Compulsory vaccination is supported by requiring all school going children as a preliminary for admission. The opponents feel that denying children an entry unless they have been vaccinated is unfair. However, the truth is that schools and public institutions are only safe because those who have been vaccinated. Underscoring the law has an impact on the lives of many people. Polska 2012 uses a survey conducted in 2008 that indicates the possibility of the reemergence of infectious diseases such as mumps, whooping cough, measles, and polio. Allowing a resurgence of such infections with the adverse change in the epidemiological profile of such diseases would be several strides backward.
The case for autism as scientifically unfounded
Jane McCarthy, an avid believer of pseudo-science and an opponent of vaccination, uses her celebrity status to influence more people against vaccination. She based her argument on her experience when her son was diagnosed with autism, which she believes is as a result of a vaccine jab he got. McCarthy has gone ahead to write a book on the same which was forwarded by Wakefield and stays firm that her son was affected by vaccination ( The Original Skeptical Raptor, 2018). Being a celebrity, she has used her platform to use anecdotal and non-scientific beliefs to influence people. Nonetheless, the role of explaining the essence of vaccines largely remain at the discretion of the family doctor since people are prone to receiving varied information which can create beliefs that influence their choices.
People are also dying from vaccinations. Evan, my son, died in front of me for two minutes. You ask any mother in the autism community if we’ll take the flu, the measles, over autism any day of the week. I think they need to wake up and stop hurting our kids. Without a doubt in my mind, I believe that vaccinations triggered Evan’s autism. (Skeptical Raptor, 2018).
While the debates on compulsory vaccination continue, the years of efforts into ending infectious diseases and the advantages of vaccination are increasingly becoming an issue of concern for public health. Those who are for compulsory vaccination argue that (a) Although individuals have the liberty to make choices concerning their health, aright that overrides the rights of others may as well cease to be one. Vaccines are safe and effective, and even though they are not perfect, the benefits outweigh the demerits. (b) Those who argue against compulsory vaccination argue that the administration of the jabs can cause harm and disorders such as autism. In as much as individuals have a right to choosing the direction of their health and that of their children, it is essential to ensure that public safety is paramount. Going back on the strides made in vaccination to form a herd of immunization can easily be destroyed by allowing people to abscond vaccination – making vaccination should be made a standard.
References
Carter, E. (2015). Measles Outbreak At Disneyland Linked To Non-Vaccinations. CBS News. Retrieved via https://www.cbsnews.com/news/measles-outbreak-at-disneyland-linked-to-non-vaccinations
Lois A. W & Dorit, R. (2018). Legal Approaches To Promoting Parental Compliance With Childhood Immunization Recommendations, Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 14:7, 1610-1617, DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1423929
Malone, K. M., & Hinman, A. R. (2003). Vaccination Mandates: The Public Health Imperative And Individual Rights. Law in public health practice , 262-84.
Polska, P. (2012). Anti-Vaccination Movement and Parental Refusals of Immunization of Children in USA. Elsevier B.V , 381-385.
Stern, A. M., & Markel, H. (2005). The History Of Vaccines And Immunization: Familiar Patterns, New Challenges. Health Affairs, 24(3), 611-621.
The Original Skeptical Raptor (2018). Jenny Mccarthy, With Help From Oprah Winfrey, Lies About Vaccines. Retrieved via https://www.skepticalraptor.com/skepticalraptorblog.php/jenny-mccarthy-lies-about-vaccines/
