Final Project Milestone Four: Immunizations Are Recommended ✓ Solved
Final Project Milestone Four Immunization is recommended by
Immunization is recommended by the majority of healthcare institutions and practitioners in protecting the public from various infectious diseases. Additionally, since immunization is a form of preventive healthcare, the practice ensures that healthcare costs are significantly reduced in the country. However, in the case of the State of Evergreen, there is a conflict regarding the issue of immunization. There is proposed legislation that will ensure religion cannot be used to exempt public school children from being immunized. Two counties oppose the legislation while one county supports it. There is also a counterproposal for the legislation that will increase the freedoms of people who do not want to be immunized. In this regard, this paper analyzes this issue by evaluating the needs/interests of the main stakeholders and the legal issues involved.
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Analysis of Stakeholders in Immunization Legislation
The legislation on immunization in Evergreen has brought to the forefront a complex interplay between public health interests and individual freedoms. As incidents of vaccine-preventable diseases increase, assessing stakeholders' needs and interests is essential. This paper evaluates the dynamics involved in the proposed legislation that aims to ban religious exemptions for immunization, which has instigated debates among diverse stakeholders.
Healthcare Workers and Public-School Children
The primary stakeholders affected by the immunization legislation are healthcare workers and public-school children. The efficacy of immunization is most visible among children, who form the basis of herd immunity. Researchers such as Pope (2019) emphasize that maintaining high vaccination rates is vital, not only for protecting individuals but also for safeguarding public health. Healthcare workers, especially nurses, closely interface with these children and have a vested interest in ensuring community immunity to avoid preventable diseases.
Evergreen Legislature
The Evergreen Legislature represents the political body tasked with creating and implementing health policies. Their responsibility is to establish laws that serve the greatest good for the state’s populace. The north-south divide in support for the proposed legislation displays how local political climates can shape public health policies. Pine County's support is propelled by a desire for better health outcomes and economic stability, while Fir and Cedar Counties voice concerns over intrusions into personal freedoms.
Nurses’ Perspectives
Nurses, being on the frontlines of public health, endorse legislation that promotes vaccination but caution about its financial implications. Largeron et al. (2015) argue that the enforcement of such policies must come with adequate funding to supply necessary resources. Lack of financial support could burden nurses and healthcare facilities, resulting in a failure to deliver on the intended outcomes of the legislation.
Religious Leaders
Religious leaders position themselves as central figures in the discourse, arguing that the proposed legislation would infringe upon their congregants' rights to religious freedom. The interplay of individual beliefs and public health regulations presents a unique challenge in advancing vaccination rates without alienating parts of the community. The challenge lies in reaching a consensus that respects individual rights while prioritizing public health outcomes.
The Business Community
From an economic perspective, the business community in Evergreen is supportive of legislative changes aimed at increasing vaccination uptake, as preventable disease outbreaks adversely impact tourism and economic viability. This sector leverages economic arguments to advocate for public health policies that enhance community safety, remove barriers, and support a healthy workforce, ultimately contributing to economic growth (NCSL, 2020).
Current Healthcare Policies and Laws
Current U.S. policies mandate vaccines prior to public school enrollment, highlighting a societal commitment to protecting children from communicable diseases (Barraza, Schmit, & Hoss, 2017). However, the impetus for personal belief exemptions poses challenges that complicate public health efforts. States adopt various policies that reflect their values and healthcare priorities; hence unfavorable outcomes in vaccination rates in certain areas signal the need for legislative revision and public health strategy overhaul.
Potential for Value Conflicts
Amidst this debate lies the conflict between personal liberty and public safety. The proposed resignation of religious exemptions may infringe on individual rights, triggering possible legal challenges. Conversely, the lack of legislative action to enhance immunization could lead to increased disease prevalence, affecting community health. This dichotomy highlights the delicate balance legislators must maintain while crafting responsive health policies.
Legal Risks and Malpractice Issues
The proposed immunization legislation must navigate the legal landscape regarding religious rights and the potential for malpractice within an overwhelmed healthcare system. Should healthcare providers become burdened by increased immunization demands without adequate support, the risk of errors during vaccine administration may rise, culminating in ethical and legal repercussions (Ventola, 2016).
Conclusion
In summary, the immunization legislation in Evergreen County will have a lasting impact on various stakeholders. Balancing the interests of public health, religious beliefs, and economic demands requires careful policy crafting. Stakeholders must engage in open dialogue to address concerns and create a healthcare environment that upholds both public safety and individual rights. As vaccination remains a pivotal public health tool, ongoing evaluation of legislative effectiveness and stakeholder interests will be critical in achieving higher immunization rates and improved health outcomes.
References
- Barraza, L., Schmit, C., & Hoss, A. (2017). The latest in vaccine policies: Selected issues in school vaccinations, healthcare worker vaccinations, and pharmacist vaccination authority laws. The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 45(1_suppl), 16-19.
- Largeron, N., Lévy, P., Wasem, J., & Bresse, X. (2015). Role of vaccination in the sustainability of healthcare systems. Journal of Market Access & Health Policy, 3(1), 27043.
- NCSL. (2020, May 14). Immunization policy issues overview. National Conference of State Legislatures.
- Pope, J. (2019, December 9). Importance of immunizations. Health Link BC.
- Ventola, C. L. (2016). Immunization in the United States: Recommendations, barriers, and measures to improve compliance: Part 1: Childhood vaccinations. Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 41(7), 426.
- Kufel, W. D., Williams, D. M., & Weber, D. J. (2017). Improving immunization practices in United States hospitals and health systems. International Journal of Health Governance.