Reference no: EM133954118

Health Policy Issue Option 3: Adult Immunization

Vaccine hesitancy refers to the refusal by an individual or group to seek available communicable disease vaccines. This hesitancy can be the result of lack of information, misinformation, distrust of government agencies, or religious or political beliefs. Public health challenges arise when the rights of individuals with regard to vaccine acceptance are in conflict with the overall health of the public.

You are a legislative consultant hired by the governor's office in your state. Your supervisor-the governor's special advisor on health-has asked you to explore the perspective and rationale of each stakeholder with regard to requiring adult immunizations for certain state-funded jobs. Your supervisor has also asked you to analyze the impact of each key stakeholder and interest group on the potential success or failure of this process.

Vaccines are proven to be effective in preventing disease and mortality. They are the premier achievement of public health programs in the United States and internationally. However, unlike childhood vaccinations, which are more highly regulated and are administered unless there is a documented exemption, adults over the age of 18 have the option to decline vaccines for any reason, documented or otherwise. Certain state-regulated licensing boards require these immunizations in order to earn or maintain a license, but there are currently no laws or policies at the federal or state level that require adults to be vaccinated with adult-only immunizations. Get expert-level assignment help in any subject.

The state government recently conducted a survey to understand the potential reasons for adults choosing not to be vaccinated with adult-only immunizations. In your state, 39 percent of adults over the age of 18 have not had one or more adult vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In your project, you are asked to share your assessment and analysis of potential barriers to the adult immunization, the impact of each key stakeholder and interest group on the potential success or failure this policy, and your recommendation for whether adult immunizations should be required for certain state-funded jobs.