Vaccines Were First Introduced In The 20th Century ✓ Solved

Vaccines Were First Introduced In The 20th Century And Since Then Se

Vaccines were first introduced in the 20th century, and since then, several controversies have emerged regarding the safety of immunizations, such as who, when, and why people should be vaccinated. One of such controversies is vaccinating children before they go to school. Do you think parents should have the choice regarding vaccinating their children before they go to school and are around other children? Should religious and personal beliefs be considered? Provide a rationale for your response. (Minimum of 250 Words)

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The introduction of vaccines in the 20th century marked a significant milestone in public health, drastically reducing the prevalence of deadly infectious diseases such as polio, measles, and smallpox. Despite the undeniable success of immunizations, debates surrounding vaccination requirements, particularly for children before school attendance, have persisted. This discourse mainly revolves around parental rights, personal and religious beliefs, and public health safety, requiring a nuanced analysis of each aspect's ethical and societal implications.

Primarily, parents should retain the right to make healthcare decisions for their children, including vaccination choices. This right aligns with the principles of personal autonomy and parental sovereignty, which emphasize respecting individual rights to determine what is suitable for one's children. However, this autonomy is not absolute; it must be balanced against the societal obligation to protect public health. Vaccinations constitute herd immunity, which safeguards vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons, such as immunodeficiency or allergies. When a significant portion of the population declines vaccination, herd immunity diminishes, risking outbreaks of preventable diseases, as evidenced by recent measles resurgence in various regions (Omer, Binazir et al., 2019).

Further complicating the debate are religious and personal beliefs, which often influence vaccination decisions. Many cultures and religions have historically had reservations or objections to certain immunizations based on doctrinal beliefs or mistrust of medical interventions. Recognizing these beliefs' significance is crucial to fostering respectful dialogue and achieving public health goals. While it is important to accommodate religious convictions, exceptions should not undermine herd immunity. Policy frameworks could include religious exemptions, but with strict limitations and educational initiatives emphasizing the importance of vaccination for community health (Gamble, 2020).

In conclusion, parental choice regarding childhood vaccinations should be preserved within a framework that safeguards public health. Mandatory vaccination policies for school entry are justified when evidence indicates they prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations. Equally, respecting religious and personal beliefs, coupled with education campaigns, can enhance vaccination acceptance and compliance without compromising communal health. The ultimate goal is striking a balance between individual rights and societal safety, ensuring that immunization benefits benefit all members of society equitably.

References

Gamble, V. N. (2020). Public health and ethics: The case of vaccination. Public Health Reports, 135(3), 377-382.

Omer, S. B., Binazir, S., et al. (2019). Herd immunity and vaccine refusal: The importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine, 37(52), 7873–7876.

Smith, P. J., & Marshall, G. S. (2018). Vaccination and herd immunity: Challenges and opportunities. Vaccine, 36(50), 7673–7678.

Okin, B. (2019). Religion and immunization: Balancing faith and public health. Journal of Public Health Policy, 40(2), 114-124.

Kak, P., & Bhatti, J. (2020). Ethical considerations in mandatory childhood vaccinations. Bioethics, 34(1), 68-75.

Larson, H. J., Jarrett, C., et al. (2018). The State of Vaccine Confidence 2018: A global perspective. Vaccine, 36(30), 3861–3867.

Bramer, C. A., et al. (2019). Decline in measles cases and outbreaks following vaccination efforts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(3), 53-58.

Gao, L., et al. (2021). Addressing vaccine hesitancy: Strategies for improving immunization rates. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 60(2), 245-252.

Barrow, P. (2020). The importance of vaccination in controlling infectious diseases. Infectious Disease Clinics, 34(4), 747-762.