Vaccine Refusal Is Not Free Riding

Authors

  • Ethan Bradley Oakland University, United States
  • Mark Navin Oakland University, United States

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23941/ejpe.v14i1.555

Abstract

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.

Author Biographies

Ethan Bradley, Oakland University, United States

Ethan Bradley is an undergraduate student of philosophy and political science at Oakland University (Rochester, MI, USA).

Mark Navin, Oakland University, United States

Mark Navin is professor and chair of philosophy at Oakland University (Rochester, MI, USA).

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Published

2021-06-12

How to Cite

Bradley, E., & Navin, M. (2021). Vaccine Refusal Is Not Free Riding. Erasmus Journal for Philosophy and Economics, 14(1), 167–181. https://doi.org/10.23941/ejpe.v14i1.555