The Mandatory Vaccination Policy Discussion Paper
Introduction to Policy Topic
There is an understanding that health care workers are a vulnerable conduit for the spread of Covid-19 among the public. Given this awareness, rule “Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination” was initiated requiring that all health care workers participating in federal funded programs such as Medicare and Medicaid must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Initiated in November, 2021, this rule has faced much debate on the rights and freedoms of health care workers. Towards this end, Freedom for Health Care Workers Act was introduced is being debated as a legislation that would nullify the mandatory vaccination rule as well as prevent any similar rule in the future (Congress.Gov, 2023)The Mandatory Vaccination Policy Discussion Paper. The ongoing debate raises questions on whether mandatory vaccination policy for health care workers is warranted.
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Article 1.
Maneze et al. (2023) presents a discussion on the merits and demerits of mandatory vaccination for health care workers. It notes that many of the arguments are underpinned by legal, moral and ethical principles on the issues of personal risks, professional responsibilities, human rights, and choices. The authors recommend that similar policies and mandates should be guided by reliable scientific evidence that is flexible in considering relevant ethical, moral and legal issues The Mandatory Vaccination Policy Discussion Paper.
Article 2.
Maltezou et al. (2022) presents a discussion on mandatory Covid-19 vaccination for health care workers. The article notes that the mandate was occasioned by increased risk of infection and fatalities that health care workers face, as well as staffing concerns and financial losses from absenteeism and losing part of the workforce. The authors conclude that the vaccination mandate is warranted as it is a public health necessity, it proved effective when in place, has a favorable benefit-risk ratio, and it is the only solution available at present.
Analysis
The two articles make it clear that the mandatory vaccination policy involves more than protecting the public. While it ensures that health care workers are healthy and do not spread the virus among patients, it raises legal, moral and ethical concerns. There is need for greater consultation and debate on the policy issue to address the concerns raised The Mandatory Vaccination Policy Discussion Paper.
Conclusion
The two articles indicate that the mandatory vaccination policy has been beneficial in protecting health care workers, and by extension protecting their patients. This has resulted in financial and health benefits. However, the policy raises some legal, ethical and moral concerns. Having extensive debates that involve all stakeholders would help in exploring the issues concerns and arriving at a more acceptable solution. The Mandatory Vaccination Policy Discussion Paper