Court decision condemns parents who refused to vaccinate their dependents against COVID-19

Last Friday (06), the Public Ministry of Santa Catarina released a judicial decision that condemns three families for their parents' refusal to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. In one of the cases, the fine applied was R$4,236.00, while, in the other two cases, the fines were R$8,472.00 for each family.

The complaint was filed by the Schroeder Guardianship Council (SC), which claimed that those legally responsible did not present a medical justification for preventing vaccination. The refusal violates one of the fundamental rights to health and life, guaranteed by the Federal Constitution and the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA).

Mandatory vaccination

When a person is a minor, their rights are not directly applied; It is necessary that a legal guardian seeks to guarantee the execution of these rights in terms of the health and education of the minor. One of the fundamental rights is linked to health, as expressed in article 196 of the Federal Constitution: “Health is a right for everyone and a duty of the State, guaranteed through social and economic policies that aim to reduce the risk of disease and other health problems and universal and equal access to actions and services for their promotion, protection and recovery.”

Due to the lack of autonomy of children and adolescents, Article 227 of the Constitution ensures that: “It is the duty of the family, society and the State to guarantee children, adolescents and young people, with absolute priority, the right to life, health, food, education, leisure, professionalization, culture, dignity , respect, freedom and family and community coexistence, in addition to keeping them safe from all forms of negligence, discrimination, exploitation, violence, cruelty and oppression.”

_{History of Covid 19 (Video reproduction/ Youtube/@Cientificandocanal)}

Vaccination is a fundamental component for the development of children and adolescents, guaranteeing the right to health. Parents' refusal to vaccinate their children violated the Constitution and put children at risk, which resulted in the conviction and imposition of fines.

COVID-19

THE COVID-19It is an infectious disease caused by a virus that affects the respiratory system and, if left untreated, can cause various consequences or even lead to death. The virus is highly contagious and is responsible for more than 700,000 deaths in Brazil. Vaccination against COVID-19 is the best measure to prevent the disease from worsening.

Featured photo: Vaccination in children (reproduction/ Ministry of Health/ Igor Evangelista)