Vaccinations & COVID-19

Description

Vaccinations have been a key factor in stopping and preventing the spread of disease. In the time of coronavirus that we find ourselves in, the Center for Disease Control says it is especially important to vaccinate for diseases in order to prevent further strain on an already burdened health care system. You can read more about that here:

CDC Vaccination Guidance During a Pandemic

14 diseases you almost forgot about (thanks to vaccines) Many of us are anxious for the development of a vaccine for COVID-19.

To learn about the status of that endeavor, you can read this helpful article from National Public Radio (NPR):

All you wanted to know about coronavirus vaccine but were afraid to ask and this: Meet people volunteering to be exposed to COVID-19 for vaccine research However, there is a segment of the population that is skeptical about vaccinations.

This is not at all new. You can read about it here:

The anti-vaccination movement How do we approach antivaccination attitudes? How anti-vaccine sentiment took hold in the United States There are some who are unable to be vaccinated against diseases due to their own compromised health, such as cancer patients.

These people, including children in public school districts, rely on the rest of us to be vaccinated to prevent their own exposure to diseases that could surely kill them. Here is an excellent article that details that reality:

Young cancer survivor fears anti-vax parents are putting sick kids at risk Recently, the anti-vaccination movement has been active in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Check out these links for more about it:

Anti-Vax groups fear coronavirus vaccine Texas anti-vaxxers say COVID-19 tracing is government surveillance ‘Anti-vaxxers’ are organizing even before a coronavirus vaccine is developed Since we have an essay on vaccines in chapter 5 of our textbook, let’s take some time to consider the question of vaccinations in light of recent events.

For this assignment, then, read Essay 9, pp. 146-147. Answer the following:

1) To what does Ropeik attribute people’s decisions to decline vaccinations for themselves or their children?

2) What reasons does Ropeik offer to support his claim that not being vaccinated is not acceptable?

3) Do you agree with his reasoning? Why or why not?

4) What three solutions does Ropeik suggest?

5) Do you believe each of his solutions is reasonable? Explain your answer for each.

6) What are your thoughts on the anti-vaccination movement in relation to COVID-19?