... A controversial topic that is currently being considered is the application of an early HPV vaccination in younger girls and boys. This sensitive subject has ethical implications and valid points can be argued both for and against the concept. Individuals that are for early vaccination hold that the vaccine prevents transmission of HPV, decreases chances of developing future complications, and is more cost effective in the long run. Individuals that take a stand against early vaccination will say the vaccine promotes risky sexual behavior, is not safe, takes away from parent’s autonomy, and is not cost effective in the immediate period. The following information will give insight to both sides of the argument and a personal stance on the issue. The first example in support of early vaccination is the prevention of transmission of human papilloma virus (HPV). There are symptoms that can occur as a result of having an HPV infection. Gardasil is found to be successful in preventing HPV infections from types 6, 11, 16, and 18 (Donahou, 2013). A benefit of the HPV vaccine is the provision that there is use of accepted medical technology that will prevent serious diseases when possible and minimize pain and suffering (Donahou, 2013). Vaccinating both young girls and boys is found to reduce HPV transmission (Chen, Shepherd, & Becker, 2012). White states “this vaccination may help prevent the spread of genital warts in both sexes in addition to the cancer prevention...
Words: 1431 - Pages: 6
...HIV runs high in many other countries outside of America. One country that is at high stake for HIV would be Africa. Africa has allowed many HIV trial vaccinations to have a play in the life of many HIV participants. There are 30 HIV stages of development with local vaccinations. Some of the HIV vaccinations are recombinant subunit vaccine, which is simulating the outside or other part of the virus. Some participating volunteers serve high risks such as: mild or sever adverse reaction, serious infection, immune tolerance, pain or malaise, fatigue, anxiety and stress. Ethical Issues in HIV vaccine trials in South Africa, By: C. Slack,G. Lindegger, E. Vardas, L. Richter, A. Strode and D. Wassenaar. June 2000. This is something that is suppose to help treat HIV but at the same time can hurt the patient as well considering it is just trial versions and not completely affective. This is shown that many people chose to try and be vaccinated in order to help prevent the HIV disease from spreading, but at the same time there are many side affects to these trials. So we are not really going to help the patient, rather prolong the symptoms of HIV and also hurt the patient, with all these other side effects that come along with the vaccination. This is an ethical issue because we want the patients to have a chance of fighting the HIV, but at the same time these results are not producing results that we would like. There is no cure that will rid the HIV virus that someone may consume...
Words: 1411 - Pages: 6
...risk it? Preventive care is the biggest milestone of the medical world, and vaccination represents one of the most important strategies in the prevention of disease in adults but more importantly children. The choices parents make to immunizations is a questionable debate. For example small pox has been globally eradicated, while diseases such as, polio are virtually nonexistent. Other life-threatening conditions such as measles have been dramatically curtailed to the point where families no longer fear the drastic effects of it. But in the recent outbreak of the measles in Disneyland, one would question if parents are still getting their children vaccinated for the measles. Dr. Andrew Wakefield wrote a research paper in 1998 on how vaccinations specifically measles and MMR could give a child autism, since then the speculations have increased and parents are worrisome. This is where one is at a stance, to vaccinate or not. Measles and other what once were eradicated diseases should be a requirement since scientists have now shown there are no correlations with autism, prevent the disease from spreading to others, and humanity would benefit as a whole. The recent outbreak in the US of the measles have taken parents are taking more towards social media and reading on some ‘news’ of how some vaccinations can cause diseases one of the most common autism. The news went around that the measles vaccination could give the risk of autism, and was even credited by some doctors who later...
Words: 893 - Pages: 4
...On May 20, 2014 UNICEF released a statement where they expressed their appreciation of the U.S. Government not using vaccination efforts as a means to gather intelligence or for military purposes (1). When the hunt for Osama Bin Laden was underway, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) launched a pseudo-vaccination campaign in Pakistan with the intention of discovering the DNA sequencing of the Bin Laden Family for identification purposes (3). This analysis looks at the various parties involved for this particular operation that spurred the statement as well as looking at the overall public health effects of this decision. Leadership In this CIA operation, the leadership included those in the CIA as well as those with Homeland Security and the Department of Defense. All stakeholders had one intention, which was about the defense of the Nation and not the public health implications. From a stakeholder perspective, if other members of the Federal Government were involved in this decision making process there could have been the potential for the operation being found out before a DNA sequence could be obtained. Decision makers had to determine the length that they were willing to go in an effort to capture the most wanted man in the world, or they could just make a formal apology to the world saying that they wouldn’t do it again after the fact. Norms and Standards If the number one goal of a nation is a self serving interest, then the United States proved that point...
Words: 718 - Pages: 3
...Vaccine Safety: Examine the Evidence (2013) American Academy of Pediatrics Retrieved From; https://www2.aap.org/immunization/families/faq/vaccinestudies.pdf Over the past decade questions has been raised regarding the connection of vaccinations and Autism. There have been other concerns like too many vaccines overwhelming the immune system, the preservative thimerosal, which some think might still be present in MMR (Mumps, measles, rubella) shot but as of the 1900’s it has been removed. Research has been conducted on these issues and studies have shown vaccinations to be safe. In this publication from the American Academy of Pediatrics which is a well known organization that is dedicated to the health of children I find an extensive amount of data that supports my theory of vaccinations being beneficial to children. They have compiled studies from a lot of sources in order to prove that there is no harm in vaccinations. Buttenheim, Alison, PhD., M.B.A., Jones, Malia, PhD., M.P.H., & Baras, Y., B.A. (2012). Exposure of California kindergartners to students with personal belief exemptions from mandated school entry vaccinations. American Journal of Public Health, 102(8), E59-E67. Retrieved from; http://search.proquest.com/docview/1039278619?accountid=158639. Personal Belief Exemption (PBE) from mandated school entry vaccines in California have increased over the past decade. More than 7000 kindergartners in California attend schools with PBE rates greater than 20 per...
Words: 667 - Pages: 3
...College of Nursing Week-4 Ethics Paper May 29, 2016 While some parents see vaccination as a medical necessity others see it as endangering their children. This is one of the main problems that first time mother face. Example when I became a mother I was confused when I was asked about vaccinating my child. Like many people I did not fully understand the benefits and side effect of vaccination so I only agreed because I was told it was good for my child. On the other hand, I did my own research online and majority of what I came across talks about why not to vaccinate your child. Studies as show that vaccination prevent childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough and chicken pox. While some may say that vaccination is the best way to protect our children some will also argue that injecting chemicals to our children is not safe. Over the years I have come across many people that believe that vaccinating their child was the cause of their children autism and other behavior problems. Working on the autism units in a mental hospital for children we often come across patients that are strongly against vaccination and sometimes medications because it is believe that adding what was not created in the body to the body is dangerous and only makes their child worst. Some parents believe that refusing to vaccinate their child is their chose (which it is) and that it only affects their child; sadly, it is not true since vaccination are based on herd immunity...
Words: 679 - Pages: 3
...a vaccine. MEV-1 is presented to the audience as a pandemic. During a pandemic preserving the functionality of society is a priority (Gostin, 2008). Contagion raises a host of ethical dilemmas such as paternalism, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. The prospect of encountering a deadly pandemic such as that in Contagion, can create an overwhelming healthcare and community concern. The preparation for and response to an unusual turn of events of this magnitude requires goals that aim to benefit the community, as a whole. This involves an ethical viewpoint based on utilitarianism, with a primary focus on the good of the community, as opposed to the typical medical ethical view that focuses on the individual autonomy of patients. Ethics based on this notion of utility will most indeed pose a conflict between the community and the health of the individuals who make up that community. This paper will consider the moral issues from a public health viewpoint presented in the movie Contagion. The basis for determining how to address and contain the MEV-1 virus relies on a utilitarian view. The primary belief of those who have adopted the utilitarian position is that the most ethical action is the one that results in the greatest good for the greatest number; the most...
Words: 1624 - Pages: 7
...Patch 2 Highlight an ethical dilemma within your area of practice. Critically discuss this in relation to ethical principles for practice. There are many ethical issues and dilemmas which can arise in Public Health practice. Ethics is concerned with morals, duties and values (Seedhouse, 2008). Most interventions in public health are targeted at improving health and inequalities. The ideology of good health as the ultimate goal may lead to the lack of acceptance that health means different things to different people (Hubeley & Copeman, 2008). One ethical dilemma the author has encountered in practice as a student health visitor is parent’s who refuse to immunise their children. This has many ethical implication for practice. Immunisations are essential in protecting individuals and the community from serious diseases. The Department of Health (2005; 2006; 2009) offers clear, evidence-based information about different diseases, the possible side effects of immunisation and the current immunisation schedule which is available to all children. All babies are born with a little natural immunity to disease, but immunisation can offer additional protection against certain serious illnesses (GB: DH, 2006). Immunisation has caused dramatic improvements in health. Because of immunisation, diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus and measles, which used to be major causes of ill health now have much lower incidences (NICE, 2009). The Healthy Child programme (GB: DH, 2009) views immunisation...
Words: 1328 - Pages: 6
...Professor Perez ENGL102 8 November 2015 The Anti-Vaccination Movement Over the last 30 years, the number of vaccine-preventable diseases has increased substantially. This is due to a rising number of “anti-vaxxers” spreading misinformation “that vaccines are actually ineffective, useless, or even dangerous” (Kata 3778). The internet and other forms of mass media have steered parents to believe these claims and it has had devastating results. It has been proven by scientists for hundreds of years that the use of vaccinations greatly outweighs the risk of not getting them. The research shows that the claim that vaccines cause autism or any other disease cannot be substantiated by any scientific evidence and therefore, should not be entertained under any circumstances. The background of the anti-vaccination movement is an old one. The United Kingdom’s Vaccination Act of 1853 is a good example of this. The act required parents to vaccinate their children for small pox at three months or risk life in prison. This is a harsh punishment for the parents, but considering the millions of deaths that small pox has caused world-wide, lawmakers at the time considered it a just penalty. “The anti-vaccination movement experienced a steady decline from the turn of the century up to the 1970's” (Kasarda 548). After the 1970’s there was a resurgence in the anti-vaccination movement. This is due to research from a group of authors working at London Hospital. “M. Kulenkampf, J.S. Schwartzman...
Words: 1173 - Pages: 5
...Pay’ policy was introduced Australia wide. This policy was put in place to encourage parents to have their children’s vaccinations completed and if this was failed to be complied with, the parents Child Care Benefit, Child Care Rebate and Family Tax Benefit Part A would be ceased. According to Vaccines.gov, a vaccine is a product that produces immunity from a disease and can be administered through needle injections, by mouth, or by aerosol. Social Services Minister, Christian Porter, addressed the success of the new policy, by stating that “… figures show big improvements… with 187,695 children catching up on immunisations requirements since January 1.” Queensland Senator and One Nation Party Leader,...
Words: 906 - Pages: 4
...(citation). Measles is an infectious viral disease causing fever and a red rash on the skin, typically occurring in childhood. This infectious disease can be prevented by getting a vaccine. A vaccine is a substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases. In the past 50 years, vaccinations have saved more lives worldwide than any other medical product or procedure. The intriguing story of vaccination goes all the way back to ancient Greece. Ever since the invention of the first vaccine more than two centuries ago, there has been plenty of controversy over the morality, ethics, effectiveness, and safety of vaccination and immunization. Parents should be required to vaccinate their children. Throughout this essay, the focus will be on the health of the children, the falsifying data about vaccinations, and the benefits of them. Every parent’s biggest concern is the health of their children. As a parent, you make informed choices about your child’s health and safety every day. The health of any child depends heavily on if they receive vaccinations. The children that receive these vaccinations tend to be more resistant to some diseases than those who do not. Because of advances in medical science, your child can be protected against more diseases than ever before. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children, have been eliminated completely and others are close to extinction primarily due to safe and effective...
Words: 1128 - Pages: 5
...The U.S. Government on Mandatory Vaccination What are vaccines? Vaccines contain a mixture of sugars, proteins, and certain chemicals that all serve a purpose in neutralizing the severely weakened or dead virus within. They are substances that are typically injected subcutaneously under the skin to trigger a bodily response. This response activates the creation of antibodies against the foreign compounds, which then leads to immunization from the desired disease. Although the modern story of vaccination began with Edward Jenner’s approach of introducing already infected material to a healthy subject to protect against smallpox, the idea dates as far back as 1000 B.C. in China. Before agreeing to the label of vaccination, it was generally termed inoculation. It was Jenner’s 1796 research that became the base for which smallpox ultimately became eradicated in the United States. Today we strive to advance our understanding of vaccinations to build a future free from diseases such as HIV, malaria, dengue, and RSV. Today, the government and its schools hold considerable responsibility in the control of preventable diseases. The initial mandatory vaccination laws were passed by Massachusetts in the early 1850’s. The vaccine law transpired because of the new mandatory school attendance law. It was passed in order to keep the growing number of school students safe from disease, and to halt the advancement of smallpox. Vaccines were never collectively respected though. The...
Words: 1829 - Pages: 8
...Mandatory Influenza Vaccinations Review Shumetria Cleveland English 321 Mandatory Influenza Vaccinations Review Introduction Influenza is a highly, contagious virus that affects the respiratory system. It is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets by an infected person coughing or sneezing. Influenza is much more serious than the common cold and is preventable. Good hand washing, covering your cough, and good health habits will prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory diseases. It is onset by chills, fatigue, high fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches are some sign or symptoms of influenza often referred to as the flu. The incubation period is one to four days. Each year, influenza causes a significant increase in illness and death. In the elderly, children, patients with chronic illness and immune compromised disease. Once in a while the influenza changes to a severe disease. In the early 1900 there was a pandemic that killed approximately 20,000,000 people. Scientist later discovered the bacterial that causes the virus by testing the blood. Today physicians are able to keep the bacterial infections under control with antibiotics. In 2009 the swine flu epidemic caused illness, stole lives and flashed a light on health care workers to get mandatory influenza vaccinations. Some institutions, for the first time, implemented policies for mandatory influenza vaccines for health care workers due to the escalation of the swine flu...
Words: 2189 - Pages: 9
...Vaccines are responsible for many global public health successes, such as the eradication of smallpox and important reductions in other serious infections like polio and measles. Even so, vaccinations have also long been the subject of various ethical arguments. The key ethical debates related to vaccine regulation, development, and use generally revolve. “A discussion of the ethics of vaccine rationing leads to a review of suffering due to pneumonia, particularly in the elderly” (Zimmerman, 2007). Rationing of scarce vaccine supplies will likely be required when the next pandemic occurs, raising the questions about how to ration and upon what principles. Because, influenza pandemics have differing mortality patterns occur. Vaccine manufacturers and essential healthcare workers can be justified with either principle. Therefore, the unequal principles of choosing based on social worth or those in whom vaccination is most likely to medically succeed raise substantial justice issues. “A healthy person is unlikely to die from the flu and therefore does not need the vaccine as much as a senior, an asthmatic, or others who are at-risk of serious complications” (Ludwig, 2014). Equal principles of medical neediness and random chance avoid justice concerns and are proposed. A framework that uses multiple principles to address influenza vaccine rationing in light of a shortage is recommended. As the various prioritization models would suggest, there is no single, simple solution for allocating...
Words: 466 - Pages: 2
...ethical dilemma between public-health policy and individual liberty continue to receive attention surrounding topics such as vaccination requirements, legalization of marijuana, teen pregnancy rates, health reform, abortion, or chronic and behavior disease epidemics. Individual liberty revolves around the lifestyle of how one might choose to live. Some might argue that the government should do little...
Words: 878 - Pages: 4
