The Process of Public Policy Formulation - Essay Example

"The Process of Public Policy Formulation" is a remarkable example of a paper on drug therapy.
Freed, G.L., Andreae, M.C., Cowan. A.E., et al. (2002). The Process of Public Policy Formulation: the Case of Thimerosal in Vaccines. Pediatrics, 109 (6), 153-1159 is the article that reveals the issue of thimerosal controversy. The thimerosal controversy analyses the vaccines that contain mercury additive, which is likely to contribute to autism and other psyche or mental development disarrays. Thimerosal is a compound that contains mercury, and it is used as a preservative in vaccines, in America. However, despite its significant use, many societies are unaware of the risks and adverse effects linked with thimerosal in vaccines. Therefore, this article attempts to reveal the way effective immunization programs have significantly reduced vaccine-preventable incidences (Freed, et al, 2002). The authors raise the need for public concern towards new vaccines in order to promote safety issues. This is through taking action by policymakers and healthcare providers in order to increase awareness of vaccines that can cause unintended risks.

The article raises awareness on the concerning matter of thimerosal controversy. The main point of the authors is to create awareness on the emergence of thimerosal, a compound that has been widely used in the United States as an antimicrobial preservative agent in vaccines for many decades. The authors further attempt to examine the significant impact of this compound on health issues and the resulting consequences they pose on the health of human beings. For instance, the research carried out indicated that thimerosal can create a profound impact on children when they are exposed to mercury from vaccines (Freed et.al 2000, p. 1153). The policymakers and other concerning organizations on health have taken significant steps towards risk assessment in order to determine in case thimerosal contributes to health risks; thus taking action of improving new vaccines.

The researchers conducted structured interviews whereby more than 15 individuals participated in the discussion process about the issue of thimerosal in vaccines. The participant represented people from various areas including the non-governmental organizations, policymakers, family physicians, and other health organizations. Therefore, they conducted interviews through the use of face-to-face meetings and telephone discussions. However, it impacts on public health policy analysis, and this is through creating for the challenges in educating the public and taking action towards the use of thimerosal in vaccines.

The article was well written because it first raised the concerning issues of thimerosal controversy. It also conducted interviews and revealed the way individuals from various health and policymakers participated in the issues of creating awareness of thimerosal matter. All parties involved in the risk assessment process acted in a manner that they assumed was effective for the interest of all children living in the United States. After discovering the impact of thimerosal in vaccines, they published PHS reports and required the policymakers to take effective action. For instance, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) reassessed the risk that results from the use of thimerosal in vaccines. This was done by carrying out investigations and taking necessary risk assessment towards the potential exposure of thimerosal to the health of human beings.

I recommend some additions to the article, especially on the research methodology. This is whereby the researcher could have also carried out an experimental examination and survey research design. This is vital in determining the way thimerosal can create an impact on the health of human beings. They can also use case studies such as revealing the countries that use this compound and the impacts it has posed to people in such areas. The policymakers can also introduce alternative immunization changes or advanced vaccines rather than the use of thimerosal.