Publication
Title
Varicella-zoster virus vaccination under the exogenous boosting hypothesis: Two ethical perspectives
Author
Abstract
The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes two diseases: varicella ('chickenpox') and herpes zoster ('shingles'). VZV vaccination of children reduces exposure to chickenpox in the population and it has been hypothesized that this could increase the prevalence of shingles. This 'exogenous boosting' effect of VZV raises an important equity concern: introducing a vaccination program could advance the health of one population group (children) at the expense of another (adults and elderly). We discuss the program's justifiability from two ethical perspectives, classic utilitarianism and contractualism. Whereas the former framework might offer a foundation for the case against introducing this vaccination, the latter offers a basis to justify it. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Vaccine / International Society for Vaccines. - Amsterdam
Publication
Amsterdam : 2014
ISSN
0264-410X
DOI
10.1016/J.VACCINE.2014.10.015
Volume/pages
32 :52 (2014) , p. 7175-7178
ISI
000348020200026
Pubmed ID
25454883
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Efficiency, equity and autonomy: the ethics of vaccination policy.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 13.03.2015
Last edited 09.10.2023
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