Briefly describe the ethical dilemma
Outline of the Final Paper on Mandated Vaccination
- Briefly describe the ethical dilemma
The ethical dilemma in the addressed issue in the public health newswire newspaper is the prioritization of COVID-19 vaccination. Despite the fact the people of color are at high risk of COVID -19 infection in the US, whites still make a high count of people who has been vaccinated where the records showed that 2/3 of the total number of vaccinated were whites. Comes ironic that the vaccination count is not lining up with the reality that the people of color are at increased risk and should be prioritized. An ethical dilemma arises in examining and determining the prioritization tactics to be used. Should it be by the vulnerability to the risk of COVID-19? Should it be by age? Or should it be by race and ethnicity?
- What is your desired outcome for the ethical dilemma you have selected?
My desired outcome is that the people who are at high risk should be given priority. In this case, the front-line workers should be vaccinated first. The second most vulnerable group should be chosen from the rest of the population without explicitly addressing them by their races and the most vulnerable ones. No one should be vaccinated because he or she comes from a particular race or ethnicity group but one should be vaccinated because he or she is at high risk of being infected.
- Describe an ethical principle that applies to the moral dilemma
An ethical principle that applies in a dilemma addressed above is the beneficence principle. The regulation states that the doctor or the physician should rescue the person who is in danger not just to prevent harm but also to benefit the patient and promote their welfare (Balan et al., 2016). The principle can help solve the dilemma, too, as it also prioritizes the people in danger and calls for their rescue. They will also be able to withstand the virus and increase their chances of survival if they were infected.
- Describe the second ethical principle that applies to the moral dilemma
The second ethical principle is autonomy. According to this principle, the physician is empowered in making a rational decision and a moral choice. Physicians should exercise their self-determination capacity. In this case, they should make a sound decision on who should receive the vaccination first and exercise their determination in ensuring the prioritized group gets vaccinated fast. In this case, they will not be manipulated to consider other personal interest factors while giving the vaccination, but they will stand firm and implement the decision.
- Describe how one (1) ethical theory applies to the moral dilemma
In the ethical dilemma describe above, the utilitarianism theory applies. It shows an effort to answer a practical question: what a person ought to do in a situation where a dilemma arises in making a choice. The theory states that one ought to do what maximizes pleasure or happiness and minimizes pain or unhappiness. In the ethical dilemma case analyzed above, the approach is applicable in arriving at the final decision on who to vaccinate first. That is the more vulnerable one to reduce instances of COVID 19 casualties, thus minimizing unhappiness.
- Describe how you would make an ethical decision for the moral dilemma. (portfolio 6 step process)
- Gather the facts. I will gather the facts about the potential choices and their consequences without jumping to conclusions.
- Define the issue: I will define and analyze the ethical issue in terms of its impact on an individual and the society as a whole
- Identify the affected group: I will determine who will be affected by my choice.
- Identify the consequences: I will also determine the results of each of the possible choices.
- Consider the principles: I will apply the ethical principles in this step to help me make a sound decision
- Action: I will make a choice and implement it.
- Choose a policy, either federal, state, or municipal, and explain how it applies to this ethical dilemma
The HHS rule (determination of health and human services) applies in the ethical dilemma. The rule prohibits discrimination based on color or race, age, disability, national origin, and sex in health care (Keith 202). Based on this policy, one will decide which is not discriminating against any race, age group, or sex but solving the situation appropriately. Other ethical factors will be used to guide the decision-making process.
- During the process of writing this outline, would you still recommend the actual outcome? Why or why not
