Interesting isn’t it, how politicians have been “weighing-in” on the issue of immunizations? As if there is something to “debate” here. Hilary Clinton, Chris Christy, Rand Paul even President Obama have made their remarks, good bad or reckless, about immunizations.
It is well-understood immunology, vaccines and how they work is a science, NOT a religion or a belief system. Vaccines are meticulously researched, developed and evaluated with rigorous clinical testing methodology. The value of vaccines has come into public focus due to the recent rise in vaccine preventable diseases, the most current being the Measles outbreak erupting in California. The facts on the benefit and brilliance of vaccines are indisputable. Further evaluation and discussion on this topic is best left to the experts, scientists, physicians and the ACIP!
Perhaps the political conversation should then revolve around the aspect of “choice” or freedom to decide to vaccinate or not vaccinate, and if legislation is appropriate? Does an individual’s freedom to choose negatively impact others? Regarding vaccines, the answer is a clear and sound, absolutely! Their “choice” has life or death consequences for others, and this is a critical point.
For precedent, consider a person’s right to smoke, drink and drive etc.…. These choices do have potential to harm others and what have we done on these subjects? We have passed laws to protect people.
Perhaps it should be considered, passing laws or regulations regarding immunizations as well? This should be up for public discussion and politicians should weigh in! Persons “choosing” not to vaccinate perhaps should not be allowed to participate in publicly funded venues like school or healthcare? What should the individuals’ contribution or obligation to the community therefore be? If they choose not to vaccinate, perhaps they have to give something up for that choice. What should be considered a right or what should be considered a privilege? After all, No man is an island….
“A freedom that only asks what’s in it for me, A freedom without commitment to others, A freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, Is unworthy of our founding ideals, and those who died in their defense.” – Barack Obama
http://www.cnn.com/videos/health/2015/02/03/newday-gupta-vaccine-autism-bts-long.cnn