Ph Policy/decision-making

By Author: Sherry Roberts
Total Articles: 95
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Question 1
Vaccines are substances used to elicit antibody production by the body to immunize the body against antibody infections. Vaccines contain causative agent of the disease, its synthetic substitute or in products modified to act as the stimulator that does not cause the disease (Thaul, 2005). Usually, children and babies are vaccinated to prevent several childhood diseases like polio, measles, and others. These vaccinations are in the form of injections. However, although the vaccinations are meant to immunize the infants and children, at times their side effects may significantly affect the vaccinated children. These unintended effects may put the lives of the recipients in risks; thus there is a need to balance between risks associated with vaccination and its benefits.
The balancing can be done by assessing the efficacy of the vaccine together with its risks. One can carry out the risk evaluation of the vaccine by determining the incidence of the risk, morbidity, severity and the mortality rate as a result of adverse vaccine reactions (WHO, 2008). He/she should also assess the risks that may arise from ...
... not vaccinating, that is, the risks associated with the infectious disease in individuals who fail to get vaccinated. There should also be an assessment of the risks associated with alternative vaccine immunizing against the disease in question. Then, relate the risks and benefits of the vaccine to determine whether it is more beneficial or risky to use the vaccine (WHO, 2008).
Question 2:
The statement, ``So long as a disease is rare where I live, my family and I should avoid getting vaccinated because of the risk of adverse reactions,’’ sounds unwise and full of ignorance. It is true that some vaccinations have adverse reactions to individuals after administration (ProCon, 2015). These adverse risks may be fatal side effects like when a vaccination causes another equally fatal disease such as long-term seizures associated with tetanus vaccination, or the vaccines may contain harmful materials like aluminum. However, ruling out vaccination on the basis of the side effects may not be the solution to the problem at hand. Some of the diseases such as polio and tetanus have more pronounced effect on their victim, sometimes leading to disabilities or even death (California immunization coalition, 2008). Similarly, one cannot discount vaccination with the argument that the place he or she lives has reduced incidences. Some of these diseases spread by modes that can cover a quite large area over a short time hence any region is prone to these infections. Disease like polio and measles are waterborne and airborne respectively; hence they can spread to every corner of the country (Duclos, 1998).
Question 3:
The statement ``Even though there's some risk of adverse reactions to vaccines, my family and I should receive vaccination, because if we aren't we put the health of others at risk,’’ is well thought and informed decision. Even though there are risks associated with vaccinations, it is wise to weigh the risks of being vaccinated and those that would arise if one does not receive the vaccination. One of the risks that may arise due to lack of vaccination is the risk of the infected individual acting as the vectors to transmit the disease (ProCon, 2015). Whenever there is an outbreak, the people exempted from immunization and get infected with the disease. They then transmit the disease to individuals who are either too young to receive the infection or who fail to get immunization due to their medical conditions such as those with leukemia (California immunization coalition, 2008). Therefore, deciding to be immunized to protect the people around is a show of humanity.
Question 4:
The move by 50 states to have mandatory immunization of school children is a good action by these governments to reduce the prevalence of the childhood diseases that are preventable by administration of vaccines. The laws will increase the chances of children getting infected with these diseases while in school. Schools that consist of children from a different location is major grounds for the spread of infectious diseases as some children may come from areas with high prevalence of the disease, or the school may have congestion. As a result, these laws will help reduce the rate of infections in schools (Salmon, 2002). However, these states should consider the children whose religion and beliefs does not allow them to receive immunization. Then, these states should counsel the parents of these children and inform them about the importance of immunization.
Question 5:
I believe that parents should not have sole decision-making power in relation to immunizing their children. However, external regulations and requirements should have an upper hand in determining the immunization of children. Unimmunized children may pose a threat to other children as they serve as vectors to spread the disease in case of an outbreak (Salmon, 2002). It is the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens; thus it should implement laws that ensure that children are immunized to reduce the spread of these diseases in case of an outbreak. Nonetheless, these authorities should engage the parents in discussing the reasons why they feel their children should not have an immunization to come up with a solid solution.

References:
Salmon (2002) Mandatory Immunization Laws and the Role of Medical, Religious and Philosophical Exemptions;
California immunization coalition (2008) Keep these things in mind if you are you considering not vaccinating;
Duclos, BJ Ward (1998) Measles Vaccines, A Review of Adverse Events, Drug Safety 1998; Dec 19 (6): 435—454
ProCon (2015) Should Any Vaccines Be Required for Children?
Thaul S (2005) Vaccine Policy Issues;
WHO (2008) BALANCING EFFICACY AND SAFETY,

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