Review article
https://doi.org/10.26800/LV-146-supl1-2
Vaccine Diplomacy: Health Rights versus Freedom of Choice
Jasna Karacic Zanetti
orcid.org/0000-0002-6551-0154
Abstract
The escalating childhood vaccination debate raises profound ethical and legal concerns for pediatricians, as vaccine hesitancy proves to be a complex phenomenon shaped by socio-cultural, psychological, and economic factors. Despite attempts to encourage vaccination adherence, appeals from Pediatrician Societies often fall short, with hesitancy theories focusing on factors like misinformation and distrust. In order to combat hesitancy, enhanced public education and awareness campaigns are proposed, aiming to address concerns with evidence- based information. However, when communication fails, penalties are considered, with limited research on their impact, while global misinformation fuels anti-vaccination sentiments, leading to a large number of unvaccinated children in Croatia due to unclear guidelines on non compliance. The legal landscape varies across EU countries, from relatively modest fines imposed in Croatia to stricter measures enforced in Poland and France. The European Court of Human Rights acknowledges the delicate balance between individual rights and public health, underscoring the societal importance of vaccination. Pediatricians grapple with ethical dilemmas, especially in situations where fines prove to be ineffective. Denying access to public community groups or institutions to a child becomes a last resort, done for the purpose of prioritizing community well-being over individual choices. Strategies for pediatrician protection include informed consent, clear communication, and meticulous documentation, though conflicts may arise in situations where non-vaccinated children face exclusion from nursery schools. In conclusion, a nuanced approach is crucial to address the complexities and legal ramifications of
vaccine hesitancy. The clash between health rights and freedom of choice necessitates legal reforms beyond punitive measures, emphasizing the importance of education. Future research should explore the impact of penalties on vaccination rates and the post-penalty status of the unvaccinated, thus contributing to a more comprehensive
understanding of this multifaceted issue.
Keywords
VACCINE HESITANCY; ETHICAL CONCERNS; PATIENT ADHERENCE; MISINFORMATION; DISTRUST IN HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS; EVIDENCE-BASED INFORMATION
Hrčak ID:
315812
URI
Publication date:
11.4.2024.
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