After reading the scenario described below, imagine that you are an expert in viruses, the immune system, and epidemics. As an expert you are asked to explain in language everyone can understand the scientific basis supporting one of the two positions below. Your essay should be a minimum of two pages, double-spaced.
A new strain of avian (bird) virus has popped up in China and has health officials at the World Health Organization are worried. They fear it may jump across species and infect humans, causing a pandemic. The virus is 100% lethal in birds, killing them within 24 to 48 hours. A human vaccine against the avian virus has been successfully manufactured in the U.S. and there is enough to inoculate the entire U.S. population. You are a scientist at the Center for Disease Control and have been called before Congress where they are debating whether to make immunizations against this avian flu legally mandatory for all US citizens.
Ignoring the constitutionality of such a law, choose one of the following positions and, in writing, present a scientifically persuasive case for why Congress should adopt your position. If you choose position 2, then, in addition to making a persuasive argument for why this is the case, please state what the alternative strategy should be.
Position 1: To prevent a lethal epidemic in the United states all those living in the U.S. must receive the vaccine.
Position 2: One can protect the entire U.S. population against an epidemic without having to vaccinate everyone.