1. Deciding for children

(a) What is "herd immunity" and why is it important? What connection, if any, is there between herd immunity and the Covid-19 pandemic? (10 pts)

(b) According to the text, what reasons are there to think that vaccinations and autism are linked? What reasons are there to question the vaccination-autism link? Explain. (10 pts)

Concerned about possible harm to their children, some parents have refused to have their children vaccinated. Medical authorities, on the other hand have argued that failing to vaccinate children poses a greater risk to their health and should be done even if it is against the wishes of the parents.

(c) Would Dworkin support the argument that children should be vaccinated, even if it's against their parents wishes? What would be Dworkin's reason? (10 pts)

(d) In "The Dilemma of Jehovah's Witness Children Who Need Blood to Survive", Anita Caitlin describes a medical case which created a moral dilemma for the medical staff. Describe the case. What was the medical dilemma? (5 pts)

(e) On Caitlin's view how should hospital staff respond to cases like that described in her article? Explain. In "Confronting Death: Who Chooses, Who Controls? A Dialogue" Robert Burt says, in response to Dax's request to die that it is "... permissible for me [Burt] to argue with you if I disagree, and argue strenuously with you on a variety of grounds" (p. 70) Do Caitlin and Burt agree on how to deal with patients (or parents) who reject recommended medical treatments? Explain. (10 pts)

(f) Do you agree or disagree with the idea that children should be vaccinated, even if it's against the wishes of the their parents? Explain. (5 pts)