Question

Public Health officials administer public policy in an attempt to benefit the communities they serve. Many times, public health officials administer policy to advocate for at risk populations such as children. At times, some public health decisions may conflict with an individual's beliefs and values. Consider the use of compulsory vaccination requirements in school- aged youth. Should public health officials be able to enforce compulsory policies when those policies go against certain beliefs? Describe how ethical conflicts occurring between the rights of the individual versus the health and welfare of the community should be addressed. Use a specific example (e.g., compulsory vaccination requirements, mandatory helmet laws, etc.) to help illustrate your position

Answer 1

Public health official policies are formulated in a way that it benefits the entire community or society .It can lay a policy but it cannot comple the individuals to accept it.But it is exceptional in case of certain medical conditions which are highly contagious.

The ethical concerns of parents in regards to the compulsory vaccination program for their childrens are, it cannot be accepted by them because it is against their religion, beliefs and practices.If vaccinated can harm the children.

But the health and welfare of the community stresses the benefit and overall protection to fellow human being against a disease which is preventable by vaccines. This can save the entire human beings from deadly illness

This can be considered in case of a outbreak of a most dangerous and contagious diseases like Ebola,swineflu etc.,where irrespective of any personal beliefs and rights the patient to be treated in isolation for medical help.These type of situations can make the health officials to strictly follow rules and care the entire community from disease including the people who refuse to accept it.