The 2018-2019 Measles Epidemic: Using the Law as a Public Health Response
53 Pages Posted: 16 Mar 2020
Date Written: March 1, 2020
Abstract
Measles rates increased dramatically during the 2018-2019 season, both in the US and globally. This phenomenon is reflective of a general decline in world-wide vaccination. In the US, the outbreaks targeted the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, as it did in Israel. This article explores various reasons for this sudden surge and evaluates various legal responses, demonstrating the power of the law in quashing epidemics and reaffirming the constitutionality of mandating vaccination, even in the face of objections such as violation of religious freedom, autonomy and liberty.
Keywords: measles, anti-vax, anti-vaxxes, Israel, rockland, Brooklyn, ultra-orthodox, first amendment, emergency orders, public health, freedom of religion, informed consent, autonomy, vaccine, vaccination, vaccine resistance
JEL Classification: I1, I12, I18, K13, K32, K42
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation