Judicialization of post-vaccinal adverse events

Abstract

Science has made important contributions to improving people’s well-being, achieving remarkable advances that protect them from illnesses. Vaccines are one such example, and serve as a tool to improve the lives of the global population. Vaccines have risks the consequences of which are not fully known, however, making surveillance systems that neutralize or reduce adverse events vital. In Brazil, vaccination policy is “compulsory”, restricting the autonomy of the individual, who as a “victim” of adverse events then needs to seek redress through legal action, as the State does not have a national compensation policy. With the support of Bioethics and human rights, this article aims to analyze Brazilian judicial decisions, demonstrating that judicialization is not the best way to solve problems arising from adverse events caused by vaccines, and that there is a lack of preparation among the professionals involved, as well as contradictions, insecurities and injustices in decisions.