Immunization
Universal vaccination programs have been central components of public health programs
around the world. In Canada all provinces have instituted public childhood vaccination
programs for measles, mumps and rubella, hemophilus influenza B, and diphtheria, pertussis,
tetanus and polio.
Despite the documented successes of vaccinations some parents have chosen not to
vaccinate their children. These parents site several reasons for their decision including lack
of confidence in public health authorities, concerns about the lack of benefit of vaccination
and concerns about the harms of vaccinations. These arguments have been put forth by
parents of children who have been perceived to have had adverse reactions to vaccines as
well as select members of alternative medicine provider groups. Pro-vaccination groups
believe these concerns are unfounded and that these parental decisions are exposing their
children to unnecessary harm. Furthermore, they believe these decisions may undermine herd
immunity and potentially put some individuals who are vaccinated at risk.
This emerging debate on the issue of childhood vaccination is an important one, which has
ethical, legal and public health consequences. It involves addressing the fine balance
between a parent's right to choose and public health authorities making decisions on behalf
of society as a whole. In the linked documents we have included results of our ongoing
study of this question. We hope the information from this project can reduce the divide
between those who support current vaccination policies and those who argue for more
cautious policies or against vaccination altogether. This information should provide valuable
to decision-makers formulating policy to address this challenging public health issue.
Immunization Publications
