Vaccine Skepticism Fueled by Lawsuits and Miscommunication

Nearly half of Americans now question the authority of science on childhood vaccines despite decades of evidence proving their safety. Trial lawyers are exploiting this uncertainty, often filing baseless lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers with strong safety records. These lawyers consistently lose or settle these lawsuits for minimal amounts. Yet, the existence of such litigation perpetuates vaccine mistrust and incentivizes further lawsuits.

This situation negatively impacts public health. Consider the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer by up to 90 percent. Some countries, like Australia, are close to eradicating HPV-related cancers due to widespread vaccination efforts. Nevertheless, in the U.S., the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness haven’t deterred litigation. Even when courts dismiss these cases, they undermine trust in vaccines.

The general public often lacks detailed knowledge of these lawsuits. They see headlines and conclude that there must be some validity to the claims. This increases vaccine skepticism amid existing confusion about sources of information. Continuous misinformation and inconsistent guidance from federal health authorities compound this issue, further eroding public confidence.

A significant concern is that 40% of parents feel unsure about the veracity of false claims, such as the discredited theory linking the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to autism. This confusion leads to decreased vaccination rates and results in outbreaks of diseases once considered eradicated. For example, in 2025, more than 2,200 measles cases were reported in the U.S., leading to hospitalizations and deaths.

In the 1980s, similar issues led Congress to establish the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) after numerous lawsuits threatened vaccine production. The VICP allows claims of vaccine injury to be addressed without litigation, offering compensation when warranted and ensuring vaccine supplies remain unaffected. The program effectively deters unnecessary lawsuits while maintaining public health safety.

Despite the framework provided by the VICP, some lawyers still pursue civil lawsuits, attempting to bypass the program’s processes. None of these cases have succeeded in court, yet the potential for substantial damages encourages their continuation. This approach undermines public confidence in vaccines, risking needless exposure to preventable diseases.

Reinforcing the protections established by Congress is essential. Frivolous legal actions do not serve justice; they weaken the public health infrastructure. Policymakers, courts, and the public must recognize and reject these tactics, especially amidst mixed messaging from health authorities, to safeguard public health.

Dr. Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General during the Trump administration, shares these views as his own.