The purpose of this investigation is to gather secondary evidence regarding the effects of government disease management strategies, in accordance with a vaccination program, on the incidence of measles infection. The chosen claim to investigate is that “Government disease management strategies are critical for controlling the spread of disease.”
Measles is a contagious viral infection that mainly affects children. It is caused by a virus from the paramyxovirus family and spreads through airborne and direct contact. The symptoms appear 14 days after exposure and include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes (WHO, 2023). Vaccination involves introducing a vaccine into the body to provide protection against a specific disease. In this case, the vaccine against measles contains antigens, which are substances that produce an immune response from white blood cells, specifically B-cells (Greenwood, T., Pryor, K., Bainbridge- smith, L., 2018). This helps the body distinguish its own tissues from foreign materials such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins, and prevents them from attacking the body itself (Dutta, 2020). The type of vaccine used for measles is a formulation that elicits an immune response, consisting of two pragmatically scheduled vaccination: “measles-‐containing vaccine dose 1” and “measles-‐containing vaccine dose 2” (WHO, 2009).
Measles can be prevented with the MMR vaccine, which is a live, attenuated vaccine that provides protection from measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses are 97% effective against measles, which are given at 12 months and 18 months after the baby is born (CDC, 2021). When injected into the body, it simulates the immune system's ability to recognise foreign antigens and produce antibodies. The live virus does not trigger a live infection as it contains a weakened variant of measles that is still recognised by the immune system (Government of Canada, 2019). To raise public awareness, the World government has implemented the vaccination programs as a crucial measure for limiting the spread of measles. The program prioritises detailed monitoring of measles cases, and educating communities about the significance of vaccination.
Worldwide, governments provide certain incentives for childhood measles vaccination. For example, the Australian government's current policy withholds financial benefits like childcare and school registration from children who don't receive the recommended vaccinations (Australian Government, 2023). The basis for government enforcement of vaccination to maintain herd immunity. Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community becomes immune to the disease, limiting transmission of the virus to vulnerable members of the population, such as immunocompromised people. This proportion varies from disease as infectious as measles, the herd immunity rate is 95% of the population (Pruthi.S, 2022). For instance, herd immunity against ongoing pandemic diseases (COVID-19) is projected to be between 55% and 82%, and the rate has been impacted by a record-high vaccination refusal rate of more than 10-15% in Australia (AJGP, 2023).
Despite the availability of vaccines and the potential to prevent it through vaccination, the measles resurgence has been linked to vaccine hesitancy (CDC, 2022). This is due to the globalisation of information, and consequent spread of false beliefs and misinformation from Dr. Andrew Wakefield, who falsely misconstrued a link with vaccine and the cause of autism (CHP, 2014). These beliefs lead to a refusal to vaccinate children, which ultimately decreases the vaccination rate, contributing to outbreaks and a reduction in herd immunity (Shen, S. and Dubey, V., 2019).
how can i make this to a rationale
The rationale for investigating the claim that "Government disease management strategies are critical for controlling the spread of disease" in relation to the incidence of measles infection is as follows:
1. Importance of disease management strategies: Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children. It can lead to severe complications and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to implement effective disease management strategies to control the spread of measles and protect public health.
2. Role of vaccination: Vaccination is a key component of disease management strategies. The measles vaccine, along with other recommended vaccines, plays a vital role in preventing the transmission of the virus and reducing the incidence of infection. Understanding the impact of government vaccination programs on measles incidence will help assess the effectiveness of these strategies in controlling the disease.
3. Mechanism of vaccination: To comprehend the relationship between government disease management strategies and measles incidence, it is essential to consider the mechanism of vaccination. The vaccine contains antigens that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the measles virus. By providing information on the effectiveness and importance of vaccination, government programs aim to increase awareness and encourage immunization, ultimately reducing the spread of measles.
4. Herd immunity: Maintaining a high vaccination rate is crucial for achieving herd immunity, which plays a significant role in disease control. Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of the population is immune to a disease, hindering its transmission. Investigating the impact of government vaccination programs on measles incidence will help assess the success of these programs in achieving and maintaining herd immunity.
5. Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation: Vaccine hesitancy, driven by misinformation and false beliefs, poses a significant challenge to disease management strategies. Understanding the relationship between government strategies and measles incidence will shed light on the influence of vaccine hesitancy on vaccination rates and its subsequent impact on disease spread. This knowledge can guide efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation and strengthen disease management strategies.
In conclusion, investigating the effects of government disease management strategies on the incidence of measles infection is crucial to understand the role of vaccination programs and assess their effectiveness in controlling the spread of this highly contagious disease. This research will contribute to the development of evidence-based policies and interventions aimed at preventing measles outbreaks and protecting public health.
Rationale:
The purpose of this investigation is to gather secondary evidence regarding the effects of government disease management strategies, specifically vaccination programs, on the incidence of measles infection. It aims to investigate the claim that "Government disease management strategies are critical for controlling the spread of disease." Measles is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects children and is transmitted through airborne and direct contact. Vaccination is an effective preventive measure, and in the case of measles, the MMR vaccine provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies without causing a live infection.
The rationale for this investigation arises from the need to understand the impact of government disease management strategies, particularly vaccination programs, in curbing the spread of measles. Measles outbreaks have been associated with vaccine hesitancy, which is influenced by false beliefs and misinformation. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the effectiveness of government interventions, such as monitoring measles cases and educating communities about the importance of vaccination, in creating herd immunity.
The investigation will also explore government incentives for childhood measles vaccination, as observed in policies implemented by countries like Australia. These incentives, which include withholding financial benefits for unvaccinated children, are based on the concept of herd immunity. Achieving a high vaccination rate is essential for limiting the transmission of measles and protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly those with compromised immune systems.
By conducting this investigation, we can gain insights into the effectiveness of government disease management strategies, specifically vaccination programs, in controlling the spread of measles. Understanding the impact of these strategies can inform policy decisions, public health initiatives, and educational campaigns aimed at increasing vaccination rates and preventing measles outbreaks. This research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on disease control and provide evidence-based recommendations for future interventions.