Vaccines; Are they Needed or Are They a Crime Against Human Rights?

The conflict of mandating vaccinations has generated a great deal of debate, with arguments on both sides of the issue. 

The conflict between individual rights and public health considerations is what gives rise to the controversy. During the pandemic, there has been a surge in vaccine hesitancy which led to barriers in reaching full immunization, causing individuals to limit everyday life (Peters 2021). This is a very important topic to consider because during the pandemic, hundreds of thousands of people have lost their lives and their jobs due to businesses being shut down. Hospitals became understaffed and those who were still working were struggling mentally and physically. Many people were dying at faster rates as each day passed and those who had caught covid and survived, suffered long term effects. The only thing that allowed countries to see hope again was the rise of a new covid vaccine that came from Moderna, Pfizer, Johnsons, and so much more. As the vaccine continued to be rapidly distributed, mortality rates were decreasing and the world started to open back up.  Despite all these positive changes, there are still people who view vaccines as a bad thing and are completely opposed to them. Let’s examine the arguments from both angles to better comprehend the significance of this topic. 

  One main argument for those in favor of vaccines is the fact that enough vaccinations can lead to herd immunity. Mandatory vaccination programs, according to its proponents, are essential for maintaining public health and halting the spread of infectious illnesses. They contend that in order to develop herd immunity, which protects vulnerable persons who cannot be immunized for medical reasons directly, large vaccination rates are necessary. Now that herd immunity is understood, when applying that to more current cases like the ongoing pandemic of Covid 19, one can begin to understand that if many people continue to get vaccinated against it, then those who are more susceptible to it but can not get vaccinated, will still be protected (Randolph 2020). Citing historical victories like the elimination of smallpox and the control of illnesses like polio and measles, can emphasize the usefulness of vaccines in decreasing illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. If herd immunity has been achieved for these illnesses, then why not covid 19? Advocates claim that by requiring vaccinations, we can assure the health of the entire population, especially the elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. 

Opponents of vaccine mandates on the other side of the debate emphasize issues related to human autonomy and liberties. They contend that requiring vaccinations violates people’s right to bodily autonomy and their right to exercise their own judgment since it compels them to undergo medical interventions. The need for informed consent is emphasized by opponents, who contend that such regulations violate peoples’ rights to privacy and autonomy over their own health. Informed consent is established once patients have a full understanding of potential risks of the medication or procedure and understand the main purpose of it (Jefford 2008).  Once they are able to conclude that, then they will be able to make a voluntary decision, which is why some argue that mandating covid vaccines will instead be forcing it and go against informed consent. Additionally, they could raise doubts about the effectiveness and safety of vaccines, citing cases of unfavorable reactions or speculating about their long-term consequences. The dispute is also fueled by concerns based on religion or philosophy to particular vaccines. Many people who have been against the covid 19 vaccine have had their doubts with how quickly it was able to come out and approved by the FDA. It was said that the first round of people that it was being administered to were simply guinea pigs because this vaccine had come out so quickly. A lot of this comes from lack of knowledge and if people were to be educated on this, they would know that the corona virus has been around for a long time and has been studied to the point where creating an effective vaccine for it should not come as such a shocker.

It is important to carefully evaluate both individual rights and public health imperatives when trying to resolve this dispute. Implementing thorough education campaigns that include accurate details on the safety, effectiveness, and potential side effects of vaccines is one strategy that might be used. Individuals can make educated decisions about vaccination by addressing concerns and eliminating myths. It should be open to the public about how vaccines have a much higher success rate when it comes to combating illnesses that are as deadly as Covid 19. Open communication between public health professionals, vaccination skeptics, and legislators is essential. This entails being attentive to issues, being open with information, and building trust.

Targeted interventions can also be successful in boosting immunization rates. Vaccine mandates in healthcare settings, where the danger of disease transmission is greatest, and the implementation of school immunization requirements can assist safeguard vulnerable populations and stop outbreaks. Alongside these steps, efforts should be made to provide fair access to vaccines, removing obstacles including price, availability, and distribution. Another problem is within school immunization. Many parents see it as wrong for schools to make it a rule that kids have to be vaccinated against certain diseases because as their parents, they feel they should be the one to make the choice. Then there is the whole concept of vaccines not being there to help, but rather poison kids. This being another misunderstanding can continue to jeopardize the well being of all individuals and parents should come to a better understanding that this is not just about their one child, but rather every child. It is time to get educated. 

Works Cited

Bhutta, Z. A. (2004). Beyond informed consent. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 82, 

771-777.

Peters, M. D. (2022). Addressing vaccine hesitancy and resistance for COVID-19 vaccines. 

International  Journal of Nursing Studies, 104241.

Randolph, H. E., & Barreiro, L. B. (2020). Herd immunity: understanding COVID-19. Immunity, 

52(5), 737-741.

Salmon, D. A., Sapsin, J. W., Teret, S., Jacobs, R. F., Thompson, J. W., Ryan, K., & Halsey, N. 

A. (2005). Public health and the politics of school immunization requirements. American 

Journal of Public Health, 95(5), 778-783.