THE RIGHT TO IMMUNIZATION IN CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Objective:

To identify the factors limiting a guaranteed right to immunization in childhood and adolescence.

Methods:

This is a narrative literature review aiming to answer the following question: what is the state of the art of immunization rights for children and adolescents? All articles were collected from the databases of PubMed, BDENF, LILACS and the virtual library SciELO by searching the key words: immunization, child, adolescent and human rights both in English and Spanish. Fifteen articles were selected and analyzed.

Results:

The factors limiting a guaranteed right to immunization in children and adolescents were identified, as well as ethical issues involving vaccination; such as compulsoriness, consent and rights conflicts, all of which pose challenges that require an up-to-date health professional knowledge, openness to dialogue and good health education practices to protect these rights.

Conclusion:

Professional commitment is vital to maintain high levels of vaccination and contributes to promote and protect the health of children and adolescents.