Economics Research Assignment
Introduction -
Immunization rates in Australia are very high as they are perceived by the general public as immunity. Vaccinations protect children of all ages in a safe and effective manner against harmful diseases that can seriously affect our welfare. Despite there medical benefits however some parent choose not to proceed with the immunization of their child or children. As a result, the Australian government is changing their policy to better ensure the Australian public is protected from prevalent disease. This essay will evaluate and economically de-construct the affects of government interference of the current immunization payment method.
Context -
Although it is widely accepted as a mandatory process
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Adapting the requirements to meet payment standards, such as the childcare benefits, childcare rebates and family tax benefits, low-income families in particular will be left behind. Removing these welfare payments will take away the financial support some families rely upon to survive, even though some don’t have access to safe and effective vaccination procedures. Some Australians, often socially excluded, are not accessible to the safe and simple vaccination process due to economic, social and geographical impediments. The adapted regime states ‘Families will still be able to receive an exemption for approved medical reasons’ (Department of Social Services, 2015) but nothing is said of these socially excluded residents without to access to effective vaccination …show more content…
The ‘no jab, no pay policy’ has multiple limitations that can negatively effect the welfare of the children it is attempting to benefit. Before financial incentives are introduced or withdrawn from government policy alternatives policies can be implemented to increase immunization rates.
Asymmetric information is key to sound economic decisions. As stated 2-3% of Australian ‘conscientiously object’ to immunization procedures, that is a figure that can be improved strategic immunization campaigning and proper marketing of information. In the Northern Rivers district of New South Wales, known for low vaccination procedures, (Macartney, 2015) a community movement is promoting a healthy lifestyle, incorporating the importance of immunization, rather than frowning upon those who do not