Ethical Dilemma Assignment_3
.docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Jersey College *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
4020
Subject
Health Science
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
7
Uploaded by onecutebby
1
Ethical Dilemma to Vaccinate or Not?
Dawn Precious Paul Baptiste
Capella University
NHS-FPX4000: Developing a Healthcare Perspective
Dr. Jeanie Kaeberle
September 22, 2023
2
Ethical Dilemma To Vaccinate or Not?
Summary of the Case Study and Analysis
The
case study entails the Smiths, new parents to a 5-day-old infant called Ana, who are
unsure about vaccinating their child because of their beliefs, including concerns about vaccines
that cause autism. Ana's pediatrician, Dr. Kerr, suggests vaccination and stresses the importance,
benefits, safety, and herd immunity issue. Regardless of her recommendation and advice to the
parents, the Smiths remain firm on their decision not to vaccinate their baby Ana. Jenna and
Chris Smith claim to raise their child as naturally as possible, including exclusive breastfeeding
for six months, preparing food from organic sources, and not vaccinating Ana. The reason behind
all these perceptions about vaccination is that the Smiths have researched and read online
mommy-blogs that maintain that vaccines pose potential risks to infants that outweigh their
benefits. For instance, the couple mentions concerns about vaccines that cause autism, citing the
rise in autism rates and cases.
However, Dr. Angela Kerr suggests that Ana should be fully vaccinated and highlights the
life-saving benefits of the vaccine and their importance in reducing child mortality. For instance,
Dr. Kerr mentions Haemophilus influenza type B and the current measles outbreak as evidence
of vaccine efficacy. In this case, the ethical dilemma revolves around the parent's autonomy and
right to make medical decisions for their child versus Dr. Kerr's duty to protect the child's health
and the public health benefits of vaccination
(Capella University, 2018).
Analyzing the Ethical Dilemma in the Case Study
Looking into the article by Weber (2008) on the update on autism and childhood
vaccines, vaccination stands out as the cornerstone for public health.
Vaccines are responsible for
preventing countless diseases and saving lives. However, deciding to vaccinate a child can
3
sometimes be fraught with ethical dilemmas in cases where parents choose not to vaccinate their
child based on personal perceptions, beliefs, and misinformation. Despite the dilemma in the
case, Dr. Kerr underscores the importance and safety of vaccines, explaining the regular safety of
intensive care conducted through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting Systems (VAERS). She
also gives the vaccine-autism link that explains and reassures that vaccines with thimerosal do
not increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Reflecting on Dr. Kerr's point of view on vaccination, it is evident from the background
of vaccines containing thimerosal that was used in vaccines in the 1970s to prevent bacterial
growth and included that the FDA concluded that the vaccines had a very low amount of mercury
that was not likely to be harmful (Weber, 2008). In this case study, the controversy surrounding
thimerosal and autism, as claimed by the parents,
as the scientist suggested that low maternal
methylmercury exposure could be dangerous to infants. However, the FDA Modernization Act of
1997 conducted an assessment and ordered the removal of thimerosal-containing vaccines,
although there was no evidence of its harm to children (Weber, 2008). It is also evident that
reports and studies have consistently found no association between autism and MMR vaccines or
thimerosal-containing vaccines. For this reason, Dr. Kerr's recommendation is evidence-based
and linked to scientific research from a broad spectrum of information.
Effectiveness of Communication Approaches Present in the Case Study
The viability of communication approaches for the situation study is portrayed by Dr.
Kerr's reasonable and enlightening correspondence with the Smiths regarding Ana's vaccination.
She employs effective communication approaches by providing evidence-based information,
addressing the Smiths' concerns, and emphasizing the benefits of vaccination. Dr. Kerr
effectively conveys the benefits of vaccination, emphasizes evidence-based medicine, and
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help