Chapter 11: Integrating Approaches to the Study of the Geography of Health
Vaccine Debate
Many countries have laws mandating vaccination at different points during childhood.
However, in the past 20 years, the use of vaccines has been called into question, mainly
by concerned parents. Concerns have been raised over possible connections between the
measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism, and the use of mercury
derivatives in vaccines, although little epidemiological evidence supports causal links in
either case. Nonetheless, support groups have emerged online to advocate greater
parental control in deciding which vaccines should be administered to children.
For this exercise, we will debate the use of vaccines in a Western country and examine
the necessary compromises between public health and individual rights. One group will
act as the government, deciding how to pass legislation related to vaccine requirements.
A second group will advocate parental rights in vaccination decisions, and the final group
will promote public health in terms of vaccine management. Remember to consider the
ecological and socio-political issues as you develop a strong argument.
In reading for the debate make sure that you write down a list of relevant points to make
to support your group’s argument. On the day of the debate you will have limited time to
discuss your arguments as a group, so make sure that you begin your preparation as you
read.
Debate
Should the government continue to require vaccines for all students entering school
or should parents be allowed to opt out of vaccination?
Select specific members of your group to be in charge of: 1) preparing and presenting
opening statements, 2) preparing and presenting rebuttals, 3) fielding questions, and 4)
compiling and presenting closing statements. Everyone is expected to speak at some
point during the debate. The government group will act as moderators to the debate and
develop questions for each group in order to make their final ruling.
Debate format:
* Each group will have 8 minutes to present opening arguments
* Each group will have 4 minutes for rebuttals of the other group’s opening arguments
* The government will have 20 minutes to address questions to both groups
* Each group will then present closing statements for 3 minutes.
* The government will make its decision.
Anthamatten and Hazen (2011), An Introduction to the Geography of Health