Date of Award
6-2017
Document Type
Open Access
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Philosophy
First Advisor
Robert Baker
Language
English
Keywords
public health, anti-vaccine movement, measles virus, immunizations
Abstract
In this thesis I present a brief history of vaccination, the anti-vaccine movement, the measles virus, and the associated risks to children and adults. I then discuss the factors contributing to parental vaccine hesitancy and resistance, consider issues of under-vaccination, herd immunity, and the underlying ethical issues. Finally, I address exemptions to school-required immunizations and argue for the elimination of both philosophical and religious exemptions, while examining parental moral responsibility when it comes to the health and safety of one’s own children and those with whom they may come in contact.
Recommended Citation
Silver, Harlie, "Ethical Issues of Parental Vaccine Hesitancy and Resistance to the MMR Vaccine" (2017). Honors Theses. 86.
https://digitalworks.union.edu/theses/86
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Virus Diseases Commons