Reconsidering Compulsory Childhood Vaccination

46 Pages Posted: 15 Sep 2010 Last revised: 14 Apr 2012

Date Written: September 15, 2010

Abstract

The laws that govern childhood compulsory vaccination deprive parents and children of three ordinary tort law protections: free and informed consent to an invasive medical procedure; accurate and complete information about vaccine ingredients and possible side effects; and the right to sue manufacturers and medical practitioners directly in the event of injury. While these atypical tort law standards have been adopted and upheld for the public good, this article argues that they have caused unintended and undesirable consequences. These effects include unnecessary compulsory childhood vaccinations; conflicts of interest in national vaccine policy; inadequate vaccine safety; inadequate warnings about vaccine risks; insufficient compensation for vaccine-induced injury; and other undesirable outcomes. The article offers a new interpretation of the landmark Supreme Court case, Jacobson v. Massachusetts, that recognizes constitutional limitations on compulsory vaccination, and sheds light on the key federal statute, the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Compensation Act.

Suggested Citation

Holland, Mary S., Reconsidering Compulsory Childhood Vaccination (September 15, 2010). New York University School of Law Public Law Research Paper No. 10-64, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1677565 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1677565

Mary S. Holland (Contact Author)

NYU School of Law ( email )

245 Sullivan St.
Room 349
New York, NY 10012-1099
United States
212-998-6212 (Phone)

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