Open AccessVaccine Refusal Is Not Free Riding
Author(s) -
Ethan Bradley,
Mark C. Navin
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
erasmus journal for philosophy and economics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.121
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 1876-9098
DOI - 10.23941/ejpe.v14i1.555
Subject(s) - free riding , immunization , psychological intervention , free rider problem , free access , medicine , psychology , social psychology , economics , immunology , nursing , computer science , public good , incentive , antigen , microeconomics , world wide web
Vaccine refusal is not a free rider problem. The claim that vaccine refusers are free riders is inconsistent with the beliefs and motivations of most vaccine refusers. This claim also inaccurately depicts the relationship between an individual’s immunization choice, their ability to enjoy the benefits of community protection, and the costs and benefits that individuals experience from immunization and community protection. Modeling vaccine refusers as free riders also likely distorts the ethical analysis of vaccine refusal and may lead to unsuccessful policy interventions.