By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    health benefits of taking a vacation to reduce stress
    Relaxing European Destinations to Reduce Stress Risks to Health
    October 11, 2021
    pain management tips
    Managing Pain Differently: Alternative Pain Management Techniques
    January 12, 2022
    5 Ways to Promote Wellness in Your Home
    April 12, 2022
    Latest News
    Hygiene Beyond The Clinic: Attention To Overlooked Non-Clinical Spaces
    August 13, 2025
    5 Steps to a Promising Career as a Healthcare Administrator
    August 3, 2025
    Why Custom Telemedicine Apps Outperform Off‑the‑Shelf Solutions
    July 20, 2025
    How Probate Planning Shapes the Future of Your Estate and Family Care
    July 17, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Cognitive Risk Declines with Activity
    June 22, 2011
    Scientific Advances on Contraceptive for Men
    July 25, 2011
    Alzheimer’s Preventable with Lifestyle Changes
    August 30, 2011
    Latest News
    How IT and Marketing Teams Can Collaborate to Protect Patient Trust
    July 17, 2025
    How Health Choices and Legal Actions Intersect After an Injury
    July 17, 2025
    How communities and healthcare providers can address slip and fall injuries with legal awareness
    July 17, 2025
    Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
    July 6, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Measles Vaccine: A Right to Refuse Treatment
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Public Health > Measles Vaccine: A Right to Refuse Treatment
Policy & LawPublic Health

Measles Vaccine: A Right to Refuse Treatment

Michael Kirsch
Michael Kirsch
Share
4 Min Read
measles vaccine
SHARE
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’.
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. 
measles vaccine
“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.
TAGGED:measles
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

non-clinical spaces
Hygiene Beyond The Clinic: Attention To Overlooked Non-Clinical Spaces
Health Infographics
August 13, 2025
senior care at home
Breaking The Chain Of Infection For Seniors At Home
Infographics Senior Care
August 13, 2025
medical devices
The Lifecycle Of A Medical Device: From Concept To Disposal
Infographics Technology
August 13, 2025
Why Delaying Care For Minor Injuries Can Lead To Bigger Problems
Infographics Wellness
August 13, 2025

You Might also Like

Are Women Getting Crazier? Medco Seems to Think So

March 21, 2012
Emphasizing Eye Care In Primary Care Practice
Health care

Emphasizing Eye Care In Primary Care Practice

July 5, 2018

Screening Task Force Makes Recommendation on Obesity

June 27, 2012

How That New Drug Goes From Idea to Market

April 16, 2016
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?