Question

Doctors struggle to eradicate polio worldwide, but one of the biggest problems is persuading parents to vaccinate their children. since the discovery of the vaccine, polio has been eliminated from Europe and the law requires everyone to be vaccinated. People who refuse to be vaccinated are "free riders." Source: \(U S A\) Today, March 12,2008 a. Explain why someone in a rich country who has not opted out on medical or religious grounds and refuses to be vaccinated is a "free rider." b. Polio in poor countries such as Myanmar has reappeared in 2010 and is increasing. Are people who are too poor to afford the vaccination "free riders"? Should vaccinations be compulsory? Explain your answer.

Short answer

A 'free rider' benefits from herd immunity without getting vaccinated. Poor individuals in Myanmar are not 'free riders' as they lack access. Compulsory vaccination is beneficial for public health.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the concept of 'free rider'

A 'free rider' benefits from a resource without paying for it or contributing to its provision. In this context, it refers to someone who benefits from the widespread immunity provided by vaccinated individuals (herd immunity) without getting vaccinated themselves.

Explain why a person in a rich country refusing vaccination is a 'free rider'

In a rich country where vaccines are accessible and most people are vaccinated, the risk of polio transmission is low due to herd immunity. An individual who chooses not to vaccinate is still protected from polio because most people around them are vaccinated. This protection, without personal vaccination, makes them a 'free rider'.

Examine the situation in poor countries regarding vaccination

In countries like Myanmar, access to vaccines may be limited or unaffordable for many people. This means that the inability to vaccinate is not a choice but a constraint due to lack of resources.

Determine if people in poor countries are 'free riders'

People in poor countries who cannot afford vaccines are generally not considered 'free riders' because they do not have an accessible choice to get vaccinated. The term 'free rider' applies to those who choose not to vaccinate despite having the means to do so.

Discuss if vaccinations should be compulsory

Compulsory vaccination ensures herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons and reducing the spread of diseases. Making vaccination compulsory can prevent outbreaks and protect public health, particularly in regions with the resources to implement such mandates.

Key concepts

Vaccination

Vaccination is a powerful tool in modern medicine that helps protect individuals from infectious diseases. When a person receives a vaccine, their immune system learns to recognize and fight the pathogens causing specific diseases. For example, the polio vaccine trains the body to defend against the polio virus. Vaccination not only protects the vaccinated individual but also helps reduce the spread of disease within a community. This communal protection is especially critical in preventing outbreaks. Vaccines are essential in maintaining public health and can lead to the complete eradication of certain diseases, as seen with smallpox.

Herd Immunity

Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of a population is vaccinated, thereby indirectly protecting those who are not immune. When enough people are immunized against a contagious disease, the spread of the disease is significantly slowed or stopped because there are fewer susceptible individuals for the disease to infect. This creates a 'buffer' within the community that helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants, the elderly, or individuals with certain medical conditions. In the context of polio, widespread vaccination has led to herd immunity in many parts of the world, drastically reducing the occurrence of the disease.

Public Health Policy

Public health policies are strategies and decisions made by governments and organizations aimed at promoting and protecting the health of the population. These policies can include vaccination programs, sanitation measures, health education, and disease surveillance. A key aspect of public health policy is to ensure that vaccines are accessible and affordable for all members of society. Policies may also include mandates for compulsory vaccination to achieve herd immunity and prevent disease outbreaks. Effective public health policies are crucial in managing and eradicating infectious diseases, as seen in the near-eradication of polio in many developed countries.

Access to Healthcare

Access to healthcare is the availability and ability of individuals to obtain necessary medical services, including vaccinations. In rich countries, access to vaccines is generally widespread, and public health systems often provide them at low or no cost. In contrast, poorer countries may struggle with access to vaccines due to limited resources, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and other socio-economic factors. Ensuring equitable access to vaccines is essential for global health. International efforts, such as those by organizations like the WHO and UNICEF, aim to provide vaccines to underserved populations and improve healthcare accessibility worldwide. Without access to vaccines, populations in poorer regions remain vulnerable to preventable diseases, as seen with the resurgence of polio in some areas.