There are many significant benefits to universal vaccine policies. Improved accessibility is one the major benefits because both privately and publicly insured children and adults have access to vaccines. The roadblock of not being able to afford vaccines is no longer an issue.

The impact of a universal vaccine purchase program in North Carolina was examined based on change in immunization rates. It was concluded that a universal vaccine program was associated with improved immunization rates, specifically for children with little to no insurance.

Nurse Practitioner Dani Stringer describes her story of leaving behind vaccine hesitancy and forging ahead as an advocate for immunizations. She explores a perspective that focuses on tackling the anti-vaccine movement by communicating with kindness.

While all states have school immunization laws that grant exemptions to children for medical reasons, not all states grant exemptions for religious or philosophical reasons. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) examines which states, as of 2019, have religious and philosophical exemptions.

Rebellion against vaccines isn’t new, it has been around since the 19th century after Edward Jenner created a vaccine for the smallpox virus. Anti-vaxxers during this time believed that mandatory vaccine laws impinged on certain amendment rights, such as freedom of speech.