It’s been amusing to watch Rand Paul, a doctor, trying to ‘clarify’
comments he made suggesting that vaccines for kids should be a matter of
parental choice. Conversely, Rick Perry
some years ago had to walk back his aggressive pro-vaccine stance, when he
championed mandating HPV vaccines for young girls. This political clumsiness is not restricted to the GOP. In 2008, both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton argued that 'more research was needed on vaccines' potential side effects'. Presidential candidates, it seems, have not all been vaccinated against Panderitis.
Of course, I recognize an informed individual’s right to
refuse treatment. An adult with
appendicitis has a right to refuse appendectomy, against the advice of the
surgeon.
"You mean I didn't have to get sick?"
Does a parent have a right to deny the measles vaccine for
their kids? I don’t think so. Here’s why.
- Medical evidence provides overwhelming support for the vaccine’s safety and efficacy.
- Unvaccinated children pose a health risk to other school children.
- The claim that any vaccine causes autism has been vigorously refuted.
- Adults do not have an absolute right to deny children medical care.
I doubt that a 15 month old child can make an informed
choice about the measles vaccine. Would
those infants who have been denied the vaccine, support this decision when they reach
the age of understanding?
Parents have rights also.
They have the right and the responsibility to make health decisions for
their kids. This right, like all rights,
is not inviolable. Parents should not be able
to deny a life-saving blood transfusion or curative chemotherapy to a minor
child who does not have the capacity to understand the ramifications of a
denial of care. In contrast, some kids should be
permitted to make their own decisions even if they have not reached the age of
majority. A 17 year old Jehovah’s
Witness, for example, has a more legitimate argument in turning down a blood
transfusion than would a 5 year old.
Immunizations are a towering achievement of the medical
profession that has saved millions of lives.
No, they are not perfect, but they work much better than nearly every
medical treatment that doctors prescribe.
Moreover, vaccinating kids offers a public health benefit that extends
far beyond the youngster who is vaccinated.
If you are a libertarian who is suspicious of government, then go
make a sign and protest. This is your
right. But, vaccinate your kids. They have a right to good health. And, so do the rest of us.