Law Commons^™

Bioterrorism Defense: Are State Mandated Compulsory Vaccination Programs An Infringement Upon A Citizen's Constitutional Rights, Brendon Kohrs

Journal of Law and Health

The agents of anthrax and smallpox threaten the health and welfare of the state citizenry and therefore the state can enact legislation appropriate to offset the possible harm. In order for the enacted legislation to withstand a constitutional challenge, the possible harm has to be a compelling governmental interest of public safety and welfare narrowly tailored to that goal. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that the United States Department of Health and Human Services has the ability to recommend a compulsory vaccination program for citizens, and this program would not be in violation of a person's constitutional …