
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.


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.


Despite the significant advances in immunization, there are still 1.5 million children who die every year from vaccine-preventable diseases. As a result, the WHO derived 5 crucial facts about vaccination.


Vaccination provides more benefits than just the prevention of specific diseases. If there was universal access to vaccines, it would provide every individual the opportunity to live a healthier and fuller life. Universal access to vaccines could directly improve health-care services, protect against bioterrorism, promote economic growth, and influence various other global issues.


The fear of a link between vaccines and autism has created a major public health issue. An evidence-based meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies found that the components in vaccines (both thimerosal and mercury) or obtaining multiple vaccines at once (i.e MMR vaccine) is not associated with the development of autism spectrum disorder.


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.


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.


Christopher A. Swingle, DO discusses the importance of understanding each anti-vaxxer on an individual level. Getting to know the fears, concerns, and beliefs is what will help establish a trusting relationship between the provider and patient. It will allow the provider to be a better communicator of facts and evidence-based research on vaccines.


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.


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.
