Balancing Individual and Social Welfare in Childhood Vaccination Policy
Exceptions to compulsory childhood vaccinations are normally allowed either for reasons of religious objection, personal philosophical objection, or both. So long as the number of exemptions remain low, the risks imposed to children who are not vaccinated are low. However, if the number of exemptions should raise only a little, more serious risks would be imposed not only on the children who are not vaccinated, but upon the community at large. In this paper, we examine some of these possible risks, and ask whether a child’s parents should be allowed to decide if that child receives standard vaccinations. Issues examined include: the limitations that should be placed upon parents in regard to decisions that will have long-term consequences for children who are not yet able to assume responsibility for decisions affecting their welfare; and questions concerning what level of risk to the community at large should be allowed when granting exemptions to childhood immunization.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session should be able to: 1.)Recognize the tension between individual rights and public health in childhood vaccination policy; 2.) Identify the public health risks inherent in allowing exemptions to compulsory vaccination; 3.) Analyze the salient public policy issues relevant to chilhood vaccinations.
Keywords: Immunizations, Public Policy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.