title: Legal/ethical aspects of vaccinations.
abstract: Vaccinations have been and are a most successful instrument of preventive medicine. After the development of a vaccine, a few ethical and legal questions arise. Since field trials should be performed in those age groups which shall be protected--can children give an "informed consent"? Should the vaccination be compulsory or should it be recommended by public health authorities? Should there be a compensation for injuries related to immunisation? The possibility to develop new vaccines and the readiness of the population to cooperate in vaccination campaigns depends very much on a clear solution of those questions.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D035881:Compensation and Redress; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005860:Germany, West; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D007883:Legislation, Medical; D037141:Mandatory Programs; D012067:Religion; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014611:Vaccination