Virtue ethics and the United Kingdom (UK) Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS)

Abstract

ABSTRACT I contend that virtue ethics provides the best ethical justification for vaccination programmes, and associated payment schemes for vaccine damaged individuals (which have been adopted in twenty-four countries and one province). Virtue ethics justifies vaccination programmes, as they contribute to the common good, and associated payment schemes, as they demonstrate compassion, justice and prudence in response to virtuous vaccination decisions by citizens. I also argue that the virtues of maturity and prudence justify voluntary vaccinations. I utilise several virtues to analyse, and suggest reforms to, the United Kingdom’s (UK) Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS). I also compare the UK VDPS with the schemes that have been adopted in other states, in particular the Vaccine Injury Compensation Programme (VICP) which has been adopted within the United States (US).