Cave, Emma and McMahon, Aisling (2022) Should states restrict recipient choice amongst relevant and available COVID-19 vaccines? Medical Law Review, 31 (2). pp. 272-292. ISSN 0967-0742

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Abstract

Several COVID-19 vaccinations have been authorised worldwide. Whilst some vaccines are contraindicated for certain age groups or health conditions, there are often multiple clinically suitable authorised vaccine brands available. Few states have allowed recipients to choose amongst them, though there are multiple reasons why choice would be valued. We consider the policy justifications for state controls on recipient choice amongst COVID-19 vaccine brands, focusing on European countries and drawing on the UK context as an example. We contrast justifications for not offering choice at the height of the early pandemic crisis, and as some states seek to de-escalate their response and transition towards living with COVID-19. We argue that in the latter context public expectations of choice between available vaccine brands and platforms may rise, but that several considerations may justify continued restrictions on choice. A key factor which states should continue to take into consideration is the global nature of the pandemic. Insofar as offering recipient choice at a national level might exacerbate global inequity in vaccine distribution, states retain a normative and legal justification for restricting choice amongst available and clinically suitable vaccine brands.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	COVID-19; Human rights; Informed consent; Patient choice; Vaccination; Vaccine equity;
Academic Unit:	Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute Faculty of Science and Engineering > Research Institutes > Human Health Institute Faculty of Social Sciences > Law
Item ID:	18463
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1093/medlaw/fwac042
Depositing User:	Aisling McMahon
Date Deposited:	01 May 2024 11:13
Journal or Publication Title:	Medical Law Review
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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