Should the flu vaccine be mandatory?

October 21, 12:04 PMParenting ExaminerTerreece Clarke

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The big buzz this week is New Jersey passing a law that makes flu shots mandatory for young children going to preschool or daycare, ages 6 months to 5 years-old. Many New Jersey parents are up in arms over the law, while other parents wonder if this law will become a part of a nationwide trend. It should also be noted that many parents are in favor of the law.

Parents who have issue with the law cite privacy rights and concerns about ingredients in the actual shot.

Many flu vaccines contain a chemical, Thimerosal, that acts as a preservative. While the Centers for Disease Control have stated that the amounts of the preservative present in the vaccine are not harmful, many parents are unconvinced.

And what about the privacy issue? Do parents get to opt-out of a vaccine that may be for the greater good? Where does the right to privacy end and the right of the public-at-large begin?

What do you think? Are you getting your child vaccinated this year? Talk to us!

photo courtesy of stock.xchng.hu