Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Measles Outbreak Proves Delicate Issue to G.O.P. Field
This article is about the recent measles outbreak and the debate over whether or not the government should require vaccinations. This issue is very challenging for Republicans. In more recent years, the topic of vaccinations has become more prevalent in the political sphere and will probably continue to do so in the coming election. Do you think vaccinations should be required?
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ReplyDeleteI am torn on this issue. I feel that parents should be able to choose whether or not to get their children vaccinated, but I also feel that it is kind of necessary to prevent harm. The chance of a negative outcome due to a vaccination is slim, and I feel that the protection provided is worth the small risk; this is especially necessary right now with the outbreak of measles.
ReplyDeleteI think certain vaccinations should be required. Why would you want to put your child and others at risk by not vaccinating them? I understand that people have different beliefs about vaccines but this measles outbreak could have been avoided if parents chose to protect their children and vaccinate them.
ReplyDeleteLast year, Ebola was on everyone's concern and many were concerned about it. Given that the disease had received little attention until last year (other than in its first outbreak in the '70s) while measles has been known about for centuries, I think it's reasonable to assume that measles has taken more lives.
ReplyDeleteSo basically, people are concerned about Ebola (granted, it's a reasonable concern) to the extent that a few with more extreme views have talked about quarantining Africa but an entirely preventable disease that kills more annually doesn't make parents wish to use vaccinate their children?
I can understand that many Americans don't want the government to have more say in their wellbeing. Mandatory vaccination would definitely do just that. However, doesn't the gain outweigh the loss? Governmental intervention isn't always a bad thing especially when there isn't legitimate argument as to why a certain regulation is bad.
No one would have to change their beliefs either. So the issue isn't as fundamental as being made to support the evolution theory.
Additionally, the notion that vaccination can be linked to autism or mental disorders is, at best, completely absurd.
Personally, I feel all children should be up to date with today's vaccinations. However, the idea of the federal government intruding on parental decisions terrifies me. While for this particularly issue a law seems reasonable, it certainly sets a bad precedence. This is definitely an issue for local governments, as views are going to vary from town to town. While a definitive mandate would definitely anger many, I think the appropriate route would be to put eligibility for government assistance on the line and provide a tax break for those who vaccinate.
ReplyDeleteIt is completely ridiculous that republicans would even consider not making mandatory vaccinations. These anti vaxxers are destroying the security from diseases that has been a trademark of american life for decades. We must do anything in our power to make sure that rudimentary diseases such as measles and smallpox do not return. Their return could mean the death of thousands of kids all across this nation. That cannot be allowed to happen.
ReplyDeleteBenton, I would hesitate to say that an issue such as this should be dealt with by local governments. My reasoning... contagious viruses and diseases don't stay within town boarders. If a person contracts measles, it can very easily spread. Therefore, a handful of parents arguing that vaccines cause mental retardation (which empirical data has completely discounted), and refusing to get their children treated, could have very real and dangerous effects on the general population. It is 2015! Young children should not have to fight off measles in this modern medical era.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, vaccinations should be mandatory. How is a disease supposed to be stopped if people don't get vaccinations to stop them from getting it? Parents choosing not to let their child get vaccinations puts the health of their child at risk, especially if the diseases those vaccinations happen to reemerge, as has happened with measles. There are little negative effects from getting vaccinations but huge positive ones. I do understand that some people may object to this but I feel that it is for the good of both their children and of other children and thus is something that should be done.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Benton in that I am not very fond of the government telling parents how to care for their kids. I believe that before the government intervenes in such a way, they should try to implement education programs in healthcare practices to show parents that vaccines are safe. If this measure does not work in persuading parents, then I believe the government must make it mandatory that children receive these vaccines. This is simply a matter of saving children's lives. No child should fall victim to a completely preventable illness solely because a parent wanted the right to make a harmful decision.
ReplyDeleteI feel the parents should not be told how to care for their kids yet you would think that they would have the best thoughts for their kids' health. The vaccinations should be encouraged and we should try to protect everyone as a whole.
ReplyDeleteI think that all kids should be vaccinated. I do not really see a good reason why they should not. While parents could say they are just looking out for what is best for their kids it is proven that getting the vaccine is what is best for the kids. The government is only trying to help people here.
ReplyDeleteThe argument that the parent should decide whats best for the child, especially in a medical context, is ridiculous. They're only qualifications in the matter are that they concieved a child. A doctor on the other hand had to attend medical school and has an opinion based upon medicine rather than an opinion based upon Jenny Mccarthy fame mongering.
ReplyDeleteI want to agree with the idea of forcing people to get vaccinations, but I heard a compelling argument that changed my mind. If the government forces everyone to get vaccinations, then what could they potentially force everyone to do in the future? I get that they are only trying to help people, and that one person getting vaccinated helps everyone around them, but I don't think a law forcing everyone to get vaccinated is the way to go.
ReplyDeleteParents can make their own decisions for their kids health. I just don't see why someone wouldn't vaccinate their kid...it can affect other people's health and that could lead to a disaster. I agree with Charlie however that vaccinations should be mandatory.
ReplyDelete