Every child has the right to vaccination after birth and until the age of majority according to the nationally approved vaccination schedule. A child’s parents (guardians) decide on the exercise of this right, namely, whether their child should receive the vaccine.
Child vaccination
Based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have the right to the highest attainable standard of health, which also includes preventive health care measures such as vaccination.
Child vaccination is particularly important. New-borns enter an environment full of viruses and bacteria to which they are not accustomed. Children’s immune systems overall are more vulnerable than those of adults.
In Latvia, a newborn may receive their first vaccine during their first day of life. Vaccines are received based on the vaccination schedule published by the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Child vaccination in Latvia is State-funded.
Children are vaccinated against tuberculosis, tetanus, measles and other serious diseases as defined by the Vaccination Regulations.
Refusal of vaccination
A child’s parent or guardian has the right to refuse the vaccination of their child. In this case they must prepare a written refusal and sign it.
However, in many countries, the lack of vaccination of children may lead to some restrictions, for example, the refusal to admit a child to a kindergarten/preschool. Individual interest should be balanced against the public interest, such as public health and the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases.
In a case concerning child vaccination, the European Court of Human Rights held that:
“there is an obligation on States to place the best interests of the child, and also those of children as a group, at the centre of all decisions affecting their health and development.”
Therefore, the best interests of the child should also be taken into account as an important aspect when taking decisions about a child’s vaccination.