Student Sample Work
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Sample Reconstruction 1
In Jesse Walker’s article, “Injecting Speed: Why the rush to require the HPV vaccine?” he argues the conclusion that although the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, is helpful it should not be required in schools. First, he argues that the rush to mandate the vaccine is abnormal and irresponsible when compared to time with other vaccines. That is, vaccines typically undergo a greater period of time between licensing and requirement, and that without this trial period one cannot be as certain that this vaccine is both safe and effective. He references the chickenpox and polio vaccines as two mandatory vaccines that first underwent several years of trial. Second, he argues that the use of vaccines in circumstances where deadly diseases can be spread through casual contact makes sense; however, strains of HPV are transmitted through intimate contact and are not a clear or present contagious danger in the average school day. Thus, the HPV mandatory vaccination in school is weaker because it is not like common childhood infections. Additionally, many are concerned about the message of safe promiscuity that vaccinating children may send. Lastly, the individual choice to get vaccination ultimately makes patients healthier. For the school age children that would be primary candidates for vaccination, it makes sense for the parents to decide what medical care is best. Through this personal decision to accept the shots, or any health care for that matter, patients become more knowledgeable, the doctor and patient relationship is strengthened, and patients become more involved in their own care.
