Vaccination ethics

Abstract

Vaccination decisions and policies present tensions between individual rights and the moral duty to contribute to harm prevention. This article focuses on ethical issues around vaccination behaviour and policies. It will not cover ethical issues around vaccination research. Sources of data Literature on ethics of vaccination decisions and policies. Areas of agreement Individuals have a moral responsibility to vaccinate, at least against certain infectious diseases in certain circumstances. Areas of controversy Some argue that non-coercive measures are ethically preferable unless there are situations of emergency. Others hold that coercive measures are ethically justified even in absence of emergencies. Growing points Conscientious objection to vaccination is becoming a major area of discussion. Areas timely for developing research The relationship between individual, collective and institutional responsibilities to contribute to the public good of herd immunity will be a major point of discussion , particularly with regard to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Nudges for COVID-19 voluntary vaccination: How to explain peer information?

“…Since herd immunity is a public good, both vaccinated and unvaccinated people benefit. Thus, people are incentivized to free-ride on the herd immunity acquired by others' vaccination uptake and avoid vaccination ( Giubilini, 2021 ). If many people make this decision, there is a risk that society's vaccination rate may not reach herd immunity.…”

“…Thus, this study explores nudges that promote COVID-19 vaccination while simultaneously considering people's autonomous decision-making and emotional response. This objective also follows the least restrictive alternative in public health, which states that we must select measures that place the least restrictions on individual freedom and rights, to achieve a public good, including herd immunity ( Childress et al, 2002 ; Giubilini, 2021 ).…”

Nudges for COVID-19 Voluntary Vaccination: How to Explain Peer Information?

“…However, compulsory measures are rare, and some degree of self-selection is preferred, because public health is guided by the least restrictive alternative, which states that we must select measures that place the least restrictions on individual freedom and rights, to achieve a public good, including herd immunity (Giubilini, 2021). Since the COVID-19 vaccine has been newly developed and there are uncertainties and ambiguity regarding its long-term efficacy and adverse reactions, it is important to respect individual autonomy.…”

Lessons Learned from Publicizing and Retracting an Erroneous Hypothesis on the Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR) Vaccination with Unethical Implications

“…It has affected the herd immunity of many vaccines including the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination through anti-vaxx campaigns. 1 However, it fell into disrepute after several researchers brought the flaws in the paper's methodology to the fore which led to its eventual retraction 2010. 2 However, an unchecked, violent and wide dissemination of misinformation worldwide stood testimony of the perils of misinformation.…”