Articles1ama Supports Tighter Limitations On Immunization Op

Articles1ama Supports Tighter Limitations On Immunization Opt Outs2

Articles: 1) AMA Supports Tighter Limitations on Immunization Opt Outs 2) Vaccines are Inherently Risky; Mandatory Vaccination Violates Human Rights and Medical Ethics Links: 1) 2) Why Selected: Vaccinations have been a hot topic of debate in these past few years, with more parents fearing lifelong effects vaccines may have on their children. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends getting 28 doses of 10 vaccines for kids aged zero to six (ProCon, 2016), which for many people seems excessive and is therefore leading to higher rates of individuals not following guidelines. Although there are no federal laws mandating vaccines, many pro-vaccination associations are fighting for tighter restrictions on exemptions.

This is becoming an increasingly important topic, especially since there has been a rise in incidences of vaccine preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, polio, rubella, and whooping cough (Brady, 2015) over the past couple of years. Problem Stream: How can we create a unified mandate to combat further outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases? 1) In recent years, there has been a correlation between an increase in incidences of common diseases (that were once almost eradicated) and the anti-vaccine movement. The American Medical Association (AMA) has taken notice of this, especially after the recent measles outbreak at Disneyland (which affected 147 United States individuals), and became increasingly concerned that only two states bar non-medical exemptions for immunizations based on personal beliefs (Mills, 2015).

2) With the recent push to mandate immunizations, backlash from anti-vaccine advocates was inevitable. Larry Cook, founder and director of the Stop Mandatory Vaccination Project, stressed the fact that the unvaccinated are not threats, pointing out that those affected in the Disneyland measles outbreak were both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals (Huff, 2015). He states, "Forcing us to be vaccinated against our will is an absolute personal sovereignty in every possible way and is nothing short of medical tyranny and a path to enslavement". Preferred Solution: 1) AMA created a new policy that recommended states having an established decision mechanism that involves qualified public health physicians to determine which vaccines will be mandatory for admission to schools and other public venues, and that states should only grant exemptions to these mandated vaccines for medical reasons (Mills, 2015).

This policy also extends to include physicians and other health care professionals, especially since highly transmissible diseases pose significant risks for immunocompromised patients and the health care workforce. 2) Cook recommended contacting legislators and demanding that they vote NO on any bills that create mandates on vaccinations and instead supports "doing nothing" and continuing to allow for the rejection of vaccines for whatever individuals deem appropriate (Huff, 2015). He further recommends educating "yourself, friends, family members, and coworkers on the dangers of vaccines". Alternative Solutions: An article by Makia Freeman (2015) advocates for making health care providers sign a form that states they are aware of the ingredients, safety, risks, etc. of vaccinations before injecting their patients rather than making vaccinations mandatory.

This suggests that in return providers will take full legal liability and will stop unethically "forcing" patients to accept a vaccination. On the other hand, it could be proposed that patients sign a form stating they understand the risks of NOT receiving vaccinations. Although most likely unethical, fines could be set if patients do not receive vaccines. Political Stream: 1) Many are in support of the AMA's policy. For instance, on June 30, 2015 Governor Brown signed the policy that states personal and religious belief exemptions for vaccinations will not be allowed in the state of California (National Vaccine Information Center, 2016).

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a mandate for the flu vaccine for all children, as do many hospitals for their health care workers. A poll conducted by Ipsos for Reuters found that 78 percent of Americans believe all children should be vaccinated, 70 percent believe schools should be able to suspend unvaccinated students during outbreaks of contagious disease, and 65 percent think schools should be able to refuse enrollment to unvaccinated children (Wofford, 2015). 2) Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, is an anti-vaccine advocate that is against mandated vaccinations. He has made claims such as "a child went to have a vaccine, got very, very sick, and now is autistic" (Ferris, 2015).

There are several other anti-vaccine groups, such as The Vaccine Resistance Movement, Vaccination Liberation Group, and Parents Against Mandatory Vaccinations, that are creating petitions against vaccination regulations, stating they cause more harm than good. There is even a film that highlights the risks of vaccines called Vaxxed. This film was directed by Andrew Wakefield, an academic gastroenterologist, and attempts to reveal a coverup of the MMR vaccine connection to autism by the CDC (Goldstein, 2016). Kingdon Model "In Action": Vaccinations have been a topic of debate for quite some time now, especially now that anti-vacciners are on the rise. With an increase in disease outbreaks, such as the measles outbreak at Disneyland, The American Medical Association has proposed a policy that would mandate immunizations and prevent exemptions due to "personal or religious" purposes.

However, several anti-vacciners (such as Larry Cook) argue that this is not only unnecessary, but also strips patient autonomy. Suggestions have been made by both sides, yet a conclusion still has not been set. Many members of the political party (i.e. Donald Trump) have commented on vaccinations and whether or not they are important and the topic frequently comes up in debates. This has definitely become a nation-wide issue, and several states are starting to take action FOR mandating immunizations.

The Kingdon Model is certainly addressed through all aspects, and will continue to include more background information as the topic progresses. Personal Opinion: After reading both sides and researching the topic, I believe the American Medical Association provides a more convincing argument. The fact of the matter is that preventable diseases are on the rise, especially in children. These vaccinations have been proven to work, and even though a subset of individuals have been affected negatively, I am still not convinced this is causation but rather correlation. References: Brady, M. P. "Reemergence of 5 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases." Medscape. WebMD LLC, 14 May 2015. Web. 11 June 2016.

Paper For Above instruction

The debate surrounding immunization mandates has gained significant momentum over recent years, driven by concerns over individual rights, public health, and the resurgence of preventable diseases. The American Medical Association (AMA) has notably supported the implementation of tighter restrictions on immunization opt-outs, emphasizing that vaccination is essential for safeguarding community health while advocating for exceptions only on medical grounds. Conversely, opponents argue that mandatory vaccination infringes on personal liberties and ethical considerations, framing it as medical tyranny. This paper explores the complex interplay of medical, ethical, political, and social factors influencing vaccination policies, with a focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments on both sides.

The core issue revolves around balancing individual autonomy with collective responsibility. Vaccines have historically been instrumental in reducing infectious diseases, yet recent anti-vaccine sentiments have contributed to outbreaks of illnesses like measles and mumps, which were nearly eradicated (Brady, 2015). The CDC recommends a highly extensive immunization schedule for young children, but the number of exemptions for personal or religious beliefs has increased in some regions, undermining herd immunity (ProCon, 2016). The rise in disease outbreaks has prompted public health authorities, including the AMA, to advocate for stricter policies that limit non-medical exemptions.

The AMA’s stance is grounded in public health ethics and scientific evidence, supporting policies that require qualified healthcare professionals to determine necessary vaccines for school entry and public participation (Mills, 2015). This approach aims to minimize vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, which threaten immunocompromised individuals and broader society. The recent Disneyland measles outbreak, which affected over 140 individuals, exemplifies the dangers of inadequate immunization coverage (Brady, 2015). The AMA's policy also recommends that exemptions be strictly limited to medical reasons, thereby reinforcing the scientific consensus on vaccine safety and efficacy.

Opponents of mandatory vaccination, such as Larry Cook, founder of the Stop Mandatory Vaccination Project, argue that personal choice and bodily autonomy should take precedence over public health mandates (Huff, 2015). They contend that vaccine risks are often exaggerated or misunderstood, and that unvaccinated individuals pose little threat to public safety, citing the Disneyland outbreak where both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals contracted measles. Furthermore, critics frame mandates as a form of medical coercion and authoritarian control, accusing governments and health authorities of overreach.

A significant political dimension influences the vaccination debate. Public opinion polls reveal strong support for vaccination, with a majority of Americans favoring compulsory immunizations for children and enforcement in schools (Wofford, 2015). For instance, California’s legislation banning personal belief exemptions exemplifies legislative action aligning with public health interests (National Vaccine Information Center, 2016). However, notable political figures, such as Donald Trump, have expressed skepticism or opposition to vaccine mandates, fueled by anecdotal claims linking vaccines to autism or other adverse effects (Ferris, 2015). These perspectives fuel legislative debates and highlight the polarization surrounding vaccination policies.

From a policy perspective, the Kingdon Model offers insight into how issues rise on the political agenda, emphasizing the roles of problem recognition, policy proposals, and political circumstances. The resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases symbolizes a problem requiring urgent action, while the AMA’s policy proposal represents a deliberate solution in the policy stream. Political support, evidenced by state laws and public opinion, creates a conducive environment for implementing stricter immunization policies. Conversely, anti-vaccine advocacy groups and political figures opposing mandates attempt to block or dilute such policies, portraying them as threats to personal freedoms.

In analyzing the broader implications, it is evident that the strength of the AMA’s argument lies in its reliance on scientific evidence and public health necessity, supporting the view that vaccination is a societal obligation. The ethical principle of beneficence underscores the moral imperative to protect vulnerable populations from preventable diseases. However, respecting individual autonomy remains a cornerstone of medical ethics, creating tension in the policy-making process (Huff, 2015). Ultimately, adopting policies that require vaccination but allow exceptions solely on medical grounds appears to strike the best balance, safeguarding public health while respecting personal rights.

In conclusion, the debate over vaccination mandates exemplifies the intersection of science, ethics, politics, and societal values. The AMA’s position advocating for tighter restrictions on opt-outs presents a compelling case for prioritizing community health and disease prevention. Nonetheless, public resistance grounded in concerns over personal freedoms must be acknowledged and addressed through transparent communication and ethical frameworks. Effective vaccination policies will require ongoing dialogue that respects individual rights while emphasizing the collective responsibility to prevent the resurgence of dangerous infectious diseases.

References

• Brady, M. P. (2015). Reemergence of 5 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. Medscape. WebMD LLC.
• National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC). (2016). California State Vaccine Requirements. www.nvic.org
• ProCon.org. (2016). Should Any Vaccines Be Required for Children? www.procon.org
• Ferris, R. (2015). Trump Links Vaccines to Autism 'epidemic'. The Hill. Capitol Hill Publishing Corp.
• Huff, E. A. (2015). Vaccines Are Inherently Risky; Mandatory Vaccination Violates Human Rights and Medical Ethics. NaturalNews.
• Mills, R. J. (2015). AMA Supports Tighter Limitations on Immunization Opt Outs. AMA News Room.
• Wofford, T. (2015). New Poll: Americans Want Mandatory Vaccines. Newsweek.
• Goldstein, M. (2016). Why the Documentary Vaxxed Is so Controversial and Important to Support. VacTruth.com.
• Capitol Hill Publishing Corp. (2015). Vaccination and Public Health Policies. The Hill.
• Public Health Law & Ethics Journal. (2016). Ethical Considerations in Vaccine Mandates. Journal of Law & Medicine.