Measles Outbreak In Eretz Yisroel Can You Force Parents To Vaccinate Children?
Although not having reached epidemic proportions, Measles has been a persistent problem in Eretz Yisroel for the last six months or so. Many children have never been vaccinated because their parents, for whatever reason, have chosen not to vaccinate them further aggravating the situation. The question raised is, can parents be forced to vaccinate their children to end the incessant spreading of the disease?
The Halacha is that it is forbidden to damage someone even indirectly (Grama Assur B’Nizikin). However the limitation of that Halacha would mean that it only applies to keeping children that have measles away from other children. The Gemara in Kesuvos (77) says that a number of amoraim wouldn’t come close to people with certain diseases. However in our case we are talking about taking action against a child who doesn’t have any disease. Can children that do not have measles be considered dangerous because if they contract it they can spread it?
The Gilyon Halacha U’Maaseh asked a number of Poskim this question. Rav Elyashiv said that if society in general vaccinates, they could force the holdouts to vaccinate and not be a menace to society. Rav Nissin Karelitz and Rav Vosner both concluded that if it is an epidemic then the parents could be forced to vaccinate. Rav Moshe Shternbuch held that if the parents oppose vaccination on ideological grounds they cannot be forced but if it is a result of negligence and laziness they can be forced to vaccinate there children.
Important Note: We try to convey the Tshuva to the best of our ability. We admit that our understanding may not be accurate. Please also understand that this Tshuva may not be the final word on this topic. One should consult a Rav before drawing any conclusions.
RR, 2008-03-30 13:30:27 You wrote, "The question raised is, can parents be forced to vaccinate their children to end the incessant spreading of the disease"?
My question: What danger do unvaccinated people pose to already vaccinated people? If people who vaccinate believe the vaccine protects against disease why are they the first to become hysterical when a kid gets measels?
Measles is a childhood disease in which the majority of children suffer no lasting debilitation. If measles is contracted as an adult the implications are far worse. The vaccine is not 100% safe either. This is why the US government maintains a fund for vaccine damaged children. The vaccine is not even 100% effective as outbreaks have ocurred in a highly vaccinated population, most recently in San Diego in January of 2007.
Whether you choose to vaccinate or not, please look for the facts on both sides of the issue and be in touch with your Rav. ML, 2008-03-31 02:02:01 What about babies and children who only had one shot which is not enough until they get the second shot.
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