[On the moral dutifulness of using vaccinations]

Clin Ter. 2015;166(1):38-42. doi: 10.7417/CT.2015.1800.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

People had contradictory opinions on using vaccinations over time: an initial opposition, later large favour and then doubts and perplexities. In recent times, some movements, blogs and associations stigmatize the use of vaccinations and they are increasingly asking to remove mandatory vaccinations in countries where they are active. The impact of the antivaccination campaigns should not be underestimated, considering that, for example, in Italy, due to these campaigns, adhesions to vaccinations are decreasing by 1% per year, and in reference to rubella and measles, adhesions decreased by 25% in some regions of the country. Overcoming the choice between mandatory and recommended vaccinations, the paper deals with the topic of using preventive immunization starting from the concept of "moral dutifulness".

Keywords: Mandatory vaccination; Moral responsibility; Recommended vaccination; Self-determination.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Immunization Programs / trends*
  • Italy
  • Mandatory Programs / statistics & numerical data*
  • Morals
  • Patient Compliance / statistics & numerical data*
  • Vaccination / trends*