Individualism and social solidarity in vaccination policy: some further considerations

Abstract

This commentary, in response to the paper by Boas et al [IJPHR December 2016], considers some of the wider ethical, cultural and practical factors that may influence the official response of a polio-free nation following the identification of introduced wild virus within its borders. It looks at factors influencing vaccine uptake internationally, using examples of nations striving to improve childhood vaccine uptake, the relevance of mandatory versus voluntary immunisation and the role of public education and misinformation.

Does compulsory vaccination limit personal freedom? Ethical issues

“…To not vaccinate should be indeed seen as selfish gesture jeopardizing herd immunity and exposing immunosuppressed subjects and future generation to the risk of epidemics. 33 Vaccines are especially targeted to children; this protection falls into parent's duty and cannot be regarded as a form of "freedom of choice on the basis of the priority of the interests of children and his right to be vaccinated".…”