Ethics of vaccination programs

Ethical issues are present at each stage in the vaccine product life cycle, the period extending from the earliest stages of research through the eventual design and implementation of global vaccination programs. Recent developments highlight fundamental principles of vaccine ethics and raise unique issues for ongoing vaccination activities worldwide. These include the 2009–10 H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccination campaign, renewed attention to the potential global eradication of polio, and the ongoing evaluation of vaccine risk controversies, most notably the alleged link between childhood vaccines and autism. These cases present ethical challenges for public health policy-makers, scientists, physicians, and other stakeholders in their efforts to improve the health of individuals, communities, and nations through vaccination.

► Ethical considerations are highly relevant to decision-making regarding vaccines. ► Vaccines raise unique ethical issues compared to other health interventions. ► Pandemics, eradication, and risk controversies illustrate the relevance of ethics. ► Inclusive, informed dialogue is essential to deliberation regarding ethical issues.