Federal Immunization Policy Analysis

Problem

Immunization is the process when an individual is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, normally through vaccination (WHO, 2015). Individuals of all ages should receive a shot in order to better protect themselves and the individuals around them. In 1809, Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to require an immunization policy, since then the entire nation now has federal policies implementing vaccinations to protect the public health (Martindale-Hubbell, 2015). However, these policies are typically generated for the younger generation of the population. Federal Immunization policies in the United States are implemented solely to ensure the safety of oneself and the society as a whole. The requirements for these

Immunizations can save a child’s life; due to the medical advances that have taken place, kids are now protected from many illness/ diseases. At one point in time, Polio was a horrible illness that is now preventable by simply receiving a shot (USDHHS, n.d.). Immunizations protect not only the individual receiving the vaccination, but others as well. Certain individuals are not suitable for specific vaccinations, therefore, if everyone else has the vaccination, the people who cannot are more likely to be safe from the illness (USDHHS, n.d). Generally, immunizations are safe, effective, cheaper in the long run, and can save families time. Vaccinations go through a series of testing to ensure that the shots are safe and effective; majority of the time, the side effects of the shot are minimal compared to the damage an illness can do to the individual. Vaccinations save time and money because if an individual does not get vaccinated, they are at great risk for acquiring an illness that will lead to more intense medical bills (USDHHS, n.d). Lastly, vaccinations help future generations. Shots have been given to people for so long now in order to fight different illnesses that some have completely vanished and others have become very rare. Like previously stated, Polio used to be a terrified illness and now there are no known cases in America at all (USDHHS,

Initially, vaccination development and testing must occur to ensure the safety of the drug trying to be enforced. This is verified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of licensure; which is advised by the Vaccines and Biological products advisory committee (Smith JC, Snider DE, Pickering LK., 2009). Once approved by the FDA, the immunization goes to both the CDC and the ACP for consideration. These organizations are guided by the advisory committee on immunization practices and the ACP adult immunization initiative physician advisory board (Smith JC, Snider DE, Pickering LK., 2009). Once the CDC makes a decision, the policy is published in the MMWR and the ACP publishes their recommendations in the Annals. Uptake and financing take place next with the oversight from insurance providers and Medicare, then put into effect into public and private sectors (Smith JC, Snider DE, Pickering LK.,