An ethical view of vaccine refusal

Authors

  • Paulo Santos Médicos de família, Unidade de Medicina Geral e Familiar, Departamento de Ciências Sociais e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto
  • Alberto Hespanhol Médicos de família, Unidade de Medicina Geral e Familiar, Departamento de Ciências Sociais e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v29i5.11167

Keywords:

Medical Ethics, Vaccination, Patient Compliance, Informed Consent, Treatment Refusal

Abstract

Vaccination is one of the most important victories of modern medical science. It has prevented more cases of disease and premature death than any other medical treatment. But this success may decrease the motivation to continue with vaccination, resulting in the appearance of arguments against vaccination from groups with high media impact. This may endanger the outcomes achieved. In this article, we review ethical aspects of poor adherence and vaccine refusal as expressions of patient autonomy and liberty. We reflect on the role of health professionals and institutions in addressing this question. We conclude that an episode of vaccine refusal involves much more than the formal procedures undertaken to justify the responsibility of those making the decision. It is an opportunity for health education that may empower individuals and populations with better health literacy to allow truly free and informed decision-making.

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Published

2013-09-01

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 5 (2013): Revista Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar

Section

Opinion and Debate

License

The authors will assign to the RPMGF the sole right to publish and distribute the content of the manuscript specified in this declaration via physical, electronic, broadcasting or any other medium that may come into existence. They also grant the RPMGF the right to use and exploit this manuscript, in particular by assigning, selling or licensing its content. This permission is permanent and takes effect from the moment the manuscript is submitted, has the maximum duration allowed by applicable Portuguese or international law and is of worldwide scope. The authors further declare that this assignment is made free of charge. If the RPMGF informs the authors that it is not going to publish their manuscript, the exclusive assignment of rights ceases forthwith.

The authors authorise the RPMGF (or any entity it may appoint) to act on their behalf when it believes that copyright may have been infringed.

 

How to Cite

An ethical view of vaccine refusal. (2013). Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice, 29(5), 328-33. https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v29i5.11167

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