Arguments For Mandatory Vaccination

1230 Words3 Pages

Vaccination, first practiced by Dr. Edward Jenner in the 18th-century, is known as the most effective way to prevent epidemic disease throughout the world. Not only the people in the United States have had a vaccination in the past, but also almost most people on the planet. For instance, the government of Republic of Korea provides free injections for children from age of 0 to 12 in public health centers and pediatrician centers. In Korea, it is compulsory to be vaccinated. Except under extraordinary medical conditions, a child is not authorized to either admission into a school or graduate. In the United States however, there is currently no law requiring citizens to have inoculation. Vaccination-requirements depends on the discretion of each state's health departments, or private schools . The issue of mandatory vaccination has been debated over the past years. In addition, the number of children and parents who do not want to receive vaccination keeps increasing, due to several reasons, namely religious beliefs, a fear of an increased risk of autism, and the right of choice. Yet, there is clear evidence that vaccines actually helped to eradicate serious disease such as smallpox and tetanus. According to the statistics from Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) (2013), the statistics shows that there is serious decrease in number of outbreaks of epidemic disease. Since vaccination protects both individuals and the community from infectious disease, any individuals should not have the right to endanger the public health just to satisfy their personal and religious views. Thus, there should be a federal law mandating vaccination for all children, with the exception of a child's medical conditions. Even though there is clear ... ... middle of paper ... ...and enact a law that strictly mandates vaccination, and minimizes potential side-effects by giving a detailed instructions carefully provisioned by health professionals. To conclude, vaccines are proved as the safest methodology to prevent an epidemic disease breakout throughout the world. These injections are only given to people after a careful and long-term review by various pediatricians and health professionals. Side effects after vaccination is very rare. The benefits of getting inoculations are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all people. Thus, to solidify the safety of our society to the great extent, the U.S. government should legislate to provide and require vaccinations for every child by providing a governmental subsidy to offer vaccination at the possible lowest cost. This will prevent epidemic diseases that may endanger society.

Open Document