Why I support vaccine mandates

Vaccine mandates are nothing new and are supported by economic theory.

Economics 101

Externality: The impact of one person’s actions on the well-being of a bystander (negative or positive).

The classic example of a negative externality is pollution. No incentive exists for the ‘polluter’ to change their harmful behavior like manufacturers’ pollution or car exhaust. Smoking also qualifies because secondhand smoke affects bystanders.

Positive externalities include education and medical research. Education has a positive externality as the general public benefits from a more knowledgeable society. Medicine creates a positive externality because it provides for a healthy population. A healthier population is more productive, GDP increases, and the standard of living is improved for all.

In the presence of an externality, well-designed public policy can enhance economic efficiency. This happens by ‘internalizing the externality’ - creating incentives so people pay attention to the external effects of their actions.

Public policy sets pollution limits for manufacturers, emission standards for cars, and limits smoking in public due to secondhand smoke damage.

Vaccinations against contagious diseases protect you and others around you creating a positive externality. Historically, public policy addressed this by requiring vaccinations in schools - saving lives, improving health, and eradicating diseases. This sustains our ability to work and keeps our economy running.

Dr. Robin Henager

Spokane