As war in the Middle East grows stronger, we, as United States citizens, become increasingly aware of the threat of a terrorist attack. As we imagine all of the horrible scenarios that could possibly occur, the one that stands out in our mind is the threat of smallpox. You may be asking yourself, “Smallpox? I thought it had been eradicated forever.” As the media increases its coverage of the war, the question of the smallpox virus being resurrected increases as well. This intense coverage has brought about an impossible decision for the government to make: should smallpox vaccination be made mandatory? The threat of a bio- terrorist attack is real. This is why during this crucial time, being vaccinated for all possible viruses, is truly important.
As Americans, we had belief that all smallpox stores had been destroyed. However, we were wrong. There are two known stocks of smallpox left in the world: one in the United States and the other in Russia. Government officials now believe that Iraq, North Korea, and possibly others, may be working on weaponizing smallpox.
This is only one of many reasons why it is important that an individual be vaccinated. With the possibility that our enemies are planning bio-terrorist attacks, increased awareness of the smallpox virus heightens. Ironically, the real danger lies on our own soil. People today have almost no experience with the virus, thus, have no immunity to it. “We are nearly as virgin a population as the Native Americans who were wiped out by the various deadly pathogens brought over by Europeans” (Krauthammer).
The presidential administration has recently announced that mandatory smallpox vaccination has been made for soldiers in target areas, vaccination is voluntary for medical workers, and available, but not needed for everyone else. If the threat of smallpox becomes worse, then we look forward to the government making the vaccination mandatory for all citizens. Having the state tell you what you must do, seems to violate our right as Americans. It should be my decision, as an individual, to decide whether or not I want to be vaccinated. Every year parents are left with no choice but to risk the lives of their own children when they must be immunized before entering school. Should the right to protect ourselves, as well as our family, be compromised by the states decision? Nevertheless, the case for mandatory vaccination is even greater.
During this time of war, the threat is against the nation, not only individuals. We, as citizens, should look at this as a time to protect society. It is a time to do out part against terrorism. Most believe that the government is violating the freedom of individuals. However, the government is only looking out for the best interest of the nation. Would you be willing to risk contracting the disease and spreading it to an entire population? No one wants to risk the lives of others, let alone, be at fault for destroying a nation.
Nevertheless, if the government does not make vaccinations mandatory, we, as citizens, should. Every individual should make their own decision to be vaccinated, if the survival of the country is at stake. This decision not only succumbs to the interest of the government, but also the interest of individuals.