Video: H1N1 conspiracy theories part two, forced vaccinations

Will government force people to get the vaccine?  AP Photo Elise Amendola

With H1N1 outbreak fears come other fears that government will use an outbreak to take more power or unduly infringe upon liberty.  In the first part of my analysis of these conspiracy theories I looked at fears dealing with the H1N1 virus itself.  Part two now focuses on fears that individuals will be forced to take vaccination against their will.

The "forced vaccination" theory is best illustrated in the ten minute video clip below.  These theorists believe that government may force people to take the vaccine in order to secure a greater good for society as a whole.  Additionally these individuals believe the vaccine may actually be harmful as was discussed in part one of this series.

So what do the facts reveal about this conspiracy theory?

There is certainly more support for the argument that government may enact penalties for those who chose not to take the vaccine.  As is documented in the video Massachusetts has already considered a law which would impose fines or even mandatory quarantines for those who chose not to take the vaccine.  In addition some health care workers in New York have protested a "mandatory vaccination" program under which they could lose their jobs for refusing the vaccination.

In addition states have historically been given the power to effectively "force" many to receive a vaccination.  All 50 states require some form of immunization in order for students to attend public  or private schools though some exceptions are provided for objections based on religion.  Some are actually more concerned about the public health risks entailed in granting exemptions as opposed to any threat to civil liberties.  In addition most states have laws providing for government to enforce mandatory vaccinations upon the announcement of a pubic health emergency.  However the federal government is actually not empowered by law to enforce mandatory vaccinations.

In conclusion there is a very real possibility that state government could enforce laws requiring vaccinations for people.  However these programs would most likely take the form of forcing people into quarantine for refusing a vaccine rather than forcibly injecting someone with a vaccine against their will.  In addition there is no credible evidence of federal program to force vaccinations upon people at this time.  In a way this conspiracy theory has already occurred throughout history through the various "forced vaccination" programs such as those required for school children.  So while this conspiracy theory holds more potential for actually happening its impact is not as dramatic as other theories given its extensive existence in the past.