"Herd immunity" is one of the primary considerations for mandatory vaccinations in the United States. That is, when a large segment of the population is inoculated against certain infectious diseases, individuals – both vaccinated and unvaccinated – benefit, as well as the community as a whole. A true mandate for vaccinating all schoolchildren in the United States has not been enacted since World War I. Today, all states allow medical exceptions for children who have HIV, are undergoing organ transplants, are allergic to eggs used in preparing some vaccines, or other medical reasons. Nearly every state also has exemptions that allow parents to exempt their children from state vaccination requirements on the basis of religious, philosophical, moral, or other personal beliefs. Recent epidemics of childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, and pertussis in the United States indicate that objection to mandatory vaccinations have increased.
As a healthcare practitioner, are you ethically bound to be vaccinated for common contagious diseases?
Full Answer Section
- To protect my colleagues. I also have a responsibility to protect my colleagues from harm. This includes protecting them from diseases that I could transmit to them. By getting vaccinated, I can reduce the risk of transmitting diseases to my colleagues, even if I am not sick.
- To protect the public. Healthcare practitioners play an important role in protecting the public from diseases. By getting vaccinated, I can help to reduce the spread of diseases in the community.
- To set a good example. Healthcare practitioners are role models for the public. By getting vaccinated, I can help to promote vaccination and encourage others to get vaccinated.
There are very few exceptions to the ethical obligation to be vaccinated. For example, healthcare practitioners who have a medical condition that prevents them from getting vaccinated may be exempt. However, these exemptions are rare.
There are also some people who believe that they have a religious or philosophical objection to vaccination. However, I believe that these objections do not outweigh the ethical obligation to be vaccinated. Vaccination is a public health measure that is essential for protecting the health of individuals and communities.
In the context of COVID-19, healthcare practitioners have a particularly strong ethical obligation to be vaccinated. COVID-19 is highly contagious and can cause serious illness and death. Healthcare practitioners are at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 because they work with people who may be sick. By getting vaccinated, healthcare practitioners can help to protect themselves, their patients, and the public from COVID-19.
I understand that some people may be hesitant to get vaccinated. However, I encourage everyone to talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits of vaccination. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others from diseases.
Sample Answer
Yes, as a healthcare practitioner, I believe that I am ethically bound to be vaccinated for common contagious diseases. There are several reasons for this:
- To protect my patients. As a healthcare practitioner, I have a responsibility to protect my patients from harm. This includes protecting them from diseases that I could transmit to them. By getting vaccinated, I can reduce the risk of transmitting diseases to my patients, even if I am not sick.