Vaccines Final draft

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1 For the Greater Good Caitlin Thomas Chamberlain University PHIL 347: Critical Reasoning Dr. Barkauskas December 17, 2023

2 Correlation Does Not Equal Causation The Measles Mumps Rubella vaccine, also known as MMR, has played a significant role in reducing the number of reported cases of measles. However, there are still some individuals who cannot receive vaccinations. While most vaccines are administered during childhood, babies do not receive their first MMR immunization until they reach 12 months of age. Additionally, people with compromised immune systems or allergies to immune sera are at a higher risk of contracting these once-familiar viruses. Therefore, it is important to support vaccination efforts to protect those who cannot receive them and prevent the spread of these diseases. Vaccinations are an important intervention for the primary prevention of such communicable diseases (Nies & McEwen, 2019). However, there is still a portion of the population that do not agree with public institutions requiring mandatory vaccinations, without medical exemption, and believe implementing such requirements would be a violation of their rights. To protect this vulnerable population, and populations similar to this one, mandatory vaccination policies should be implemented in public institutions like schools, hospitals, and businesses to ensure herd immunity and protect public health. This is crucial in preventing the spread of preventable diseases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic Giublilini et al. (2018). Mandatory vaccinations can be considered ethical from various perspectives, including public health, individual rights, and social responsibility. Public Safety VS Individual Autonomy Herd immunity is a phenomenon that occurs when a significant proportion of a population acquires immunity against a disease. This makes it unlikely for the disease to spread and not only safeguards the vaccinated individuals but also those who are unable to receive vaccination due to medical reasons (Nies & McEwin, 2019). According to public health ethics,

3 limiting bodily autonomy to prevent harm to others is an essential ethical principle (Pierik, R., 2018). However, the implementation of mandatory vaccination policies has raised ethical concerns and has been scrutinized by many. Opponents of mandatory vaccination policies argue that such policies encroach on individual’s rights to autonomy and consent and promote social inequities. Medical ethics uphold the principle of autonomy, which means that individuals have the right to make informed decisions about their healthcare (Rachels & Rachels, 2019). Those in opposition to mandatory vaccination policies imply that this principle is violated as these coerce individuals to submit to a medical intervention without consent, even though vaccines are generally safe and effective, there are some risks involved (Navin & Largent, 2017). Public safety takes precedence over the risk of not implementing mandatory vaccination policies for public institutions. The research conducted by Mello et al. (2019) emphasizes the importance of ensuring the uptake of all vaccinations, including COVID-19. The study suggests that implementing mandatory vaccination programs in public schools, and healthcare settings, can significantly increase immunization rates, especially among children in high-income countries. Social Justice and Equity Mandatory vaccinations can play a crucial role in promoting social justice by ensuring that individuals have equal access to vaccines, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This, in turn, can lead to more equitable health outcomes and prevent the disproportionate impact of infectious diseases on vulnerable populations, such as low-income families, people of color, and those with underlying health conditions (Mello et al., 2019). In addition, mandatory vaccinations can also protect individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to medical exemptions. When these individuals attend public institutions or use public facilities, they can potentially be exposed to a

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4 wide range of infectious diseases. By implementing mandatory vaccination policies, those who cannot be vaccinated can have equal access to public facilities and institutions without assuming the risk of contracting a potentially deadly disease. However, some people argue that mandatory vaccination policies can exacerbate existing health disparities, as certain communities and populations may have limited access to healthcare and face barriers to accessing vaccines. These social determinants of health can create difficulties with compliance with mandatory vaccination policies, hindering their access to public institutions (Ndugga & Artiga, 2018). Nevertheless, community health clinics and outreach programs have been established to address these concerns. These community resources provide low or no-cost mobile clinics, community health fairs, and vaccination administration in public primary schools to promote health equity and decrease health disparities among disadvantaged populations. By implementing such initiatives, we can ensure that everyone has access to vaccines, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location (Nies & McEwen, 2019). Impacts of Social Perceptions and Mistrust on Public Health Outcomes Vaccinations have proven to be an effective measure in reducing the risk of infections, promoting perceptions of a healthier environment, and ensuring continuity of education and business by enforcing vaccinations at work and school (Betsch et al., 2020). Implementing vaccination policies can also help achieve herd immunity, which is crucial in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and promoting perceptions of safe work and educational environments.

5 Despite the benefits, some people resist vaccinations due to personal beliefs, health concerns, or fear of side effects. Unfortunately, some individuals have been misled by misconceptions and false information. For instance, some skeptics believe that the MMR vaccine causes autism, a belief that originated from a publication by Andrew Wakefield in 1998. Wakefield's study suggested a correlation between the MMR vaccine and autism, but it was later discovered to be falsified and retracted. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done, and the fear of adverse effects led to a decline in vaccine rates (Motta & Stecuła, 2021 ) . However, subsequent studies have shown no correlation between the MMR vaccine and autism, indicating that vaccines are safe and effective. Despite efforts from both sides of the debate, a study in which a link between the MMR vaccine and autism is proven has yet to be reproduced (Hasnain, 2023). It is crucial to dispel misconceptions and provide accurate information to encourage people to get vaccinated. By doing so, we can help create a healthier and safer community (Giublilini et al., 2018). Conclusion The issue of mandatory vaccinations has been a source of much discussion in recent times. Those who oppose them argue that such measures, legal mandates, and policies are unethical, while others contend that the benefits they bring to public health far outweigh any potential risks. Taking an ethical perspective, it is important to consider the principle of bodily autonomy that is central to individuals' rights but also to recognize that it may need to be limited in order to prevent harm to others. When we explore various viewpoints on this matter, we can conclude that mandatory vaccinations are a moral responsibility that public institutions must take up to improve the health and well-being of society as a whole.

6 References: Betsch, C., Wieler, L. H., & Habersaat, K. (2020). We are monitoring behavioral insights related to COVID-19. The Lancet, 395(10232), 1255-1256 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30729-7/fulltext Giubilini, A., Douglas, T., & Savulescu, J. (2018). The moral obligation to be vaccinated: utilitarianism, contractualism, and collective easy rescue . Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy, 21(4), 547-560. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6267229/ Hasnain, Z. (2023). The MMR vaccine and autism. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/10779/rcsi.23522913.v1 Mello, M. M., Silverman, R. D., & Omer, S. B. (2019). Ensuring uptake of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. The New England Journal of Medicine, 383(14), 1296 1299. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMp2020926 Motta, M., & Stecuła, D. (2021). Quantifying the effect of Wakefield et al. (1998) on skepticism about MMR vaccine safety in the U.S. PLOS ONE , 16 (8), e0256395. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256395 Navin, M. C., & Largent, M. A. (2017). Improving nonmedical vaccine exemption policies: Three case studies. Public Health Ethics, 10(3), 225-234. https://doi.org/10.1093/phe/phw047 Nies, M. A., & McEwen, M. (2019). Community/public health nursing: Promoting the health of populations (7th ed.). Saunders.

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7 Ndugga. N., & Artiga S. (2018) Disparities in health and health care: five key questions and answers. Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/disparitiespolicy/issue-brief/disparities-in-health-and-health-care five-key-questions-and-answers/ . Pierik, R. (2018). Mandatory vaccination: an unqualified defense . The Journal of Applied Philosophy, 35(2), 381-398. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/japp.12215 Rachels, S., & Rachels, J. (2019). The elements of moral philosophy (9th ed. ). Mcgraw-Hill Education.

Vaccines Final draft

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