Chapter 16 - Vaccination and freedom of choice: the individual and the population

Abstract

The reasons for vaccine hesitancy are sometimes religious, sometimes ethical, sometimes cultural, sometimes due to prejudice about vaccine safety based on faux science, and often by rejection of an imposed medical intervention and its presumed attack on an individual’s freedom. The latter was recognized in the late 19th century UK vaccination Act which eventually toned down its “requirement” for all to be vaccinated by introducing a conscientious objection clause. The current position on religious and ethical positions taken by various religious and secular groups is explored but the main focus is on the false scientific information that essentially “frightens” the uninformed reader into vaccine refusal. The value of vaccines in saving lives is exemplified by reference to childhood diseases and an example of erroneous and biased scientific analysis of vaccine safety is reviewed. But it would be remiss not to remind us of the fact that vaccines are not perfect and unfortunate consequences can occasionally occur, especially in those with underlying health conditions and the immunocompromised. In the end, the reader will have to make a choice. But to do so on the basis of sound scientific, ethical, or religious principles and not on the basis of false information will define us as human beings.