Vaccination policy

Vaccination Policies: A Global Perspective

Imagine a world where diseases like smallpox and measles no longer pose a threat. This is the goal of vaccination policies, which aim to protect individuals and communities from infectious diseases.

The Goals of Vaccination Policies

Vaccination policies are designed with several key objectives in mind. They seek to produce individual protection against illness, ensuring that each person can stay healthy. At the same time, these policies aim to create herd immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions or other reasons.

The ultimate goal is to eradicate diseases such as smallpox and eliminate endemic measles, mumps, and rubella. The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in this effort, working towards the eradication of polio. These policies can be implemented by governments, private facilities, or workplaces, each with its own approach to ensuring public health.

Game Theory and Individual Behavior

The decision-making process around vaccination can be modeled using game theory. Individuals may choose not to vaccinate if they perceive a low risk of disease and a high perceived benefit from not getting vaccinated. This is where the concept of herd immunity becomes critical, as it relies on a significant portion of the population being vaccinated.

While governments often allow exemptions for religious or philosophical reasons, decreased rates of vaccination can lead to loss of herd immunity. Mandatory vaccination policies raise ethical concerns regarding parental rights and informed consent. These policies are necessary in emergency situations, such as outbreaks, but must be handled carefully to avoid polarization and decreased trust among the public.

Fractional Dose Vaccination

Fractional dose vaccination has proven effective in poverty-stricken areas and could potentially shorten the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach involves using smaller doses of vaccines, which can be more cost-effective and easier to distribute. It’s a promising strategy that could help bridge the gap between those who have access to full-dose vaccines and those who do not.

Compulsory Vaccination Policies

Many countries have established policies requiring vaccination, with fines or refusal of services being common approaches. For example, Argentina enacted a new vaccine policy in December 2018, requiring all medically able adults and children to be vaccinated against specified diseases. Australia has also taken steps to boost vaccination rates by removing certain benefits for conscientious objectors.

While compulsory vaccinations can reduce infection rates for protected diseases, they raise concerns about individual freedom and safety. Objections to these policies include the infringement on parental rights and potential trauma associated with mandatory vaccinations. However, in emergency situations, such as outbreaks of highly contagious diseases like measles or polio, these measures are often necessary.

Vaccination Programs for Older Adults

Establishing vaccination programs for older adults is economically beneficial due to aging populations and increased life expectancy. Vaccinations can reduce issues linked with polypharmacy and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the elderly demographic. For instance, Germany’s Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends immunization schedules for children and adults, but vaccination remains voluntary.

In countries like Japan, there are three types of vaccination practices: Routine, Temporary, and Non-legal. The decline in vaccination rates can be attributed to lawsuits and the fact that vaccination is no longer mandatory. However, efforts are being made to improve public trust through accurate communication about diseases, vaccines, and risks.

Global Initiatives

The World Health Organization (WHO) has created several initiatives aimed at improving global vaccination rates. The Global Immunization Vision and Strategy (GIVS) was launched in 2006, followed by the Global Vaccination Action Plan in 2012. These plans aim to strengthen routine immunization, control vaccine-preventable diseases, and introduce new vaccines and technologies.

For example, Costa Rica mandates COVID-19 vaccination for children between 5 and 18 years old. France has a mandatory immunization policy with key recommendations published by the Institute of Epidemiology and Surveillance. However, mistrust of vaccines became a common topic in French public debate on health, resulting in some families avoiding requirements by forging vaccination certificates.

Conclusion

Vaccination policies are complex and multifaceted, balancing public health with individual liberty. They play a crucial role in protecting communities from infectious diseases and eradicating them globally. While mandatory vaccinations can be effective, they must be implemented carefully to avoid polarization and decreased trust among the public.

Condensed Infos to Vaccination policy