Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz
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Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz · Feb 2008
Comparative Study[Utilitarianism or communitarianism as the foundation of public health ethics?].
The goal of public health is to maximise health, and to promote the common good. These two assumptions frequently give rise to claims that public health is founded on utilitarian or communitarian ethics, respectively. In this paper, these claims are critically examined and rejected. ⋯ Some moderate appeals to more communal spirit for public health are well taken, although not exclusive communitarian. Other more extreme proposals of communitarians, e.g. to exercise public-health police power and public-health paternalism, are to be taken with great care. Thus, it is concluded that there is a need for an ethical foundation of public health different from both utilitarianism and communitarianism.
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Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz · Feb 2008
[Vaccination programs between individual autonomy and common welfare].
Vaccinations are among the most effective and cost-effective means to prevent serious infectious diseases. Actual vaccination rates, however, still fall short of their full potential to reduce morbidity and mortality both in industrialized and low-income countries. ⋯ However, there are good ethical and pragmatic arguments against compulsory vaccination enforced by law. Rather, one should try to strengthen public support and trust in vaccination programs by a proactive and persuasive information policy.