Growing Skepticism and Legal Actions Threatening Vaccine Trust
Nearly half of Americans currently question the scientific consensus on childhood vaccines. Despite decades of evidence establishing their safety, confusion persists. Trial lawyers are exploiting this doubt by filing lawsuits against manufacturers with strong safety records.
These lawsuits often end in losses or minimal settlements for the lawyers. However, the negative headlines they create further erode trust in vaccines and encourage additional litigation. This cycle poses a serious threat to public health.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine exemplifies this issue. It reduces the risk of cervical cancer by up to 90%. Countries like Australia are approaching the eradication of HPV-related cancers through widespread vaccination. Nonetheless, lawsuits continue in the U.S., questioning its safety. Even when dismissed, they damage public confidence.
Many Americans only see the legal headlines, assuming some validity to the allegations simply because a lawsuit exists. At a time of widespread misinformation and shifting health guidance, public faith in vaccines is alarmingly low.
Four in ten parents doubt whether to believe common vaccine myths, such as the false claim linking the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to autism.
Declining vaccination rates contribute to outbreaks of diseases previously under control. In 2025, more than 2,200 measles cases emerged in the U.S., with serious consequences including hospitalizations and deaths.
Congress addressed similar legal challenges in the 1980s by creating the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This program allows individuals claiming harm from vaccines to seek compensation without filing costly lawsuits. Despite its effectiveness, some lawyers bypass this system for potential civil court gains.
No lawsuits have succeeded in civil court since the establishment of the VICP. Still, the potential for substantial fees drives lawyers to continue filing. These actions compromise public trust and expose many to preventable diseases.
It’s essential to uphold the safeguards Congress established. Frivolous lawsuits detract from justice, weakening public health foundations. Policymakers, courts, and the public must contest this pattern, particularly given mixed messages from health leaders, to avoid risking more lives.
Dr. Jerome Adams, the 20th U.S. Surgeon General, served during the first Trump administration. The opinions shared here belong solely to the author.