Question

The process by which we make laws- including laws governing health, is a process influenced by contributions from monied interests who effectively are able to buy legislators, regulators, and others. In the past 100 years, conventional wisdom regarding medical care generally and immunization in particular has been evolving rapidly. While it is clear that this vaccine has reduced the amount of people with afflicted by such disease, there are credible scientists who argue that the long-term consequences are only now beginning to be understood. The long and short of it is, even though we have medical evidence that vaccinations prevent large amounts of people from getting diseases, we also don't have sufficient evidence to prove the absolute safety of the drugs. Christian Scientists do not believe in using all modern medicine, party for this reason.

Answer 1

The topic involves public health and ethical considerations about vaccination, specifically regarding the safety and long-term effects which some, including Christian Scientists, are concerned about. Vaccines are crucial for public health, offering benefits like herd immunity and preventing disease spread, although the process of making laws for them can be influenced by various interests.

Step-by-step explanation:

The discussion regarding the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, including the perspectives of Christian Scientists, falls into the realm of Health and touches upon societal and ethical considerations. Immunization has been recognized as a significant achievement in public health, leading to the eradication of smallpox and drastic reductions in diseases like polio and measles. Vaccines work by exploiting the adaptive immune system's natural specificity and inducibility, stimulating an immune response that prepares the body to combat real infections.

While vaccines are generally safe and the risks associated with them are considerably lower than the risks of infectious diseases, some individuals have concerns about possible long-term consequences. This has been a particularly sensitive issue for Christian Scientists, who are known for their preference for prayer over medical treatments. Nevertheless, the concept of herd immunity underscores the importance of vaccination for the protection of vulnerable populations, including those who cannot safely receive vaccines due to certain medical conditions.

The creation and enforcement of immunization laws are influenced by various stakeholders and can reflect both public health goals and economic considerations. The endorsement of vaccines by medical authorities is often grounded in economic terms, such as the prevention of illness 'spillovers' to others, highlighting their role as public goods that benefit the society at large.