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Swine flu vaccine - get the shot or else?
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Is the medical establishment playing God with the H1N1 vaccine?
By now everyone has heard of the wide spread H1N1, otherwise known as "swine flu". And, reports abound on the relatively quick release of an FDA approved vaccine to combat this pandemic. However, a recent report by Fox News regarding Massachusetts' proposed legislation to force the vaccine on all residents leaves one questioning, "is the government taking things a bit too far"?
In the state of Florida, as is with most states in the union, there is a law in place which permits mandates of certain medical treatments, such as vaccinations, in the case where there is a severe public health risk (Fla. Stat. 381.00315). The current proposed legislation is a bit more aggressive, however. The bill, called the Pandemic Response Bill, gives the state power to "forcefully quarantine people in the event of a pandemic", and threatens that "anyone who refuses to comply with the quarantine order could face jail time or a $1000 per day fine".
What does this translate to? It could mean that local law enforcement would have the right to go door to door, checking shot records and locking people up who are either infected or did not receive the vaccine. Of course this scenario seems a bit absurd, but perhaps so is the idea of imprisonment or stiff fines for people who are not vaccinated. Critics of the bill complain that this is not only a violation of basic constitutional rights of privacy, (ie. the Fourth Amendment which protects from unlawful search and seizures, or the Fifth Amendment which allows for due process), but may, as in the case of religions who prohibit the use of vaccines, pose unethical infringement on the basic freedom of religion this country was founded on. Furthermore, many are finding success with natural treatments such as nutrition, herbs and homeopathy, and prefer not to risk the side effects of a vaccine for a relatively benign disease.
Food for thought...
Of course the administration of flu vaccines are not new. The seasonal flu vaccine is offered every year. Many, especially those in generally good health, opt not to receive that vaccine each year, yet they are not violating any laws. Why the wide spread fear relating to the swine flu? According to the CDC, the swine flu "has resulted in more than 1,000 U.S. deaths so far" in 2009. Interestingly enough, the CDC estimates approximately 36,000 deaths are associated with seasonal flu on an annual basis. This accounts for roughly 2.2% of all deaths. Could government officials be overreacting a bit with the current swine flu?
Whether they support the use of vaccines or not, it is important for citizens to voice their concerns to their congressmen, especially when constitutional rights may be in jeopardy. No matter what personal views individuals hold regarding healthcare, no one should have their freedom of choice taken away without consent. Unfortunately, indifference is often regarded as consent.
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