Topic Seven
How do we balance individual freedoms with the need to protect community health?
In this topic, you will examine the ethical dimensions of vaccination, exploring how individual choices, societal health, and scientific advancements intersect. You’ll reflect on the balance between personal freedoms and community wellbeing in public health decisions.
LEARNING INTENTIONS
- Understand the moral and ethical implications related to vaccination.
- Explore the balance between individual rights and community welfare in public health decisions.
SUCCESS CRITERIA
- Identify different ethical positions on vaccinations.
- Analyse the relationship between individual choice and societal health.
What are Ethics?
Ethics guide how we decide right or wrong, shaping our behaviour as individuals and as a society. They reflect our collective understanding of fairness, justice, and responsibility, influencing how we treat others and address challenges. Ethics help us evaluate actions based on shared values, such as respect, compassion, and honesty, and guide us in making choices that align with the greater good. Whether deciding how to respond to public health issues, like vaccination, or navigating personal dilemmas, ethical principles serve as a foundation for thoughtful and considerate decision-making.
In this video, Professor Robert Booy shares a real-world example of the ethical challenges in scientific research. He discusses gain-of-function research, where scientists enhance a virus’s ability to spread to better understand potential risks. While this research aims to prepare for and prevent pandemics, it raises critical ethical questions about the balance between scientific progress and public safety. As you watch, consider the role of ethical guidelines in ensuring research benefits society without introducing unnecessary risks. How can we navigate the tension between innovation and safety?