Ethical Issues
Biology: AQA A Level, topic 2.4.9
Ethical Issues of Vaccines
There are always ethical issues surrounding medical interventions. Asking questions about the situation will help to identify and consider the ethical issues:
Researching vaccinations
- Who should be responsible for researching and producing vaccines?
- When testing the effectiveness of vaccines, is it ethically acceptable to have a control group who will not be vaccinated?
Who should receive vaccinations?
- When stocks of vaccines are low, which groups should be prioritised?
- If a vaccine is available but expensive, should the NHS be forced to provide it?
- Should vaccinations be compulsory for children in schools?
Ethical Issues of Antibodies
There are always ethical issues surrounding medical interventions. Asking questions about the situation will help to identify and consider the ethical issues:
Information
- Should patients be told if the monoclonal antibodies used for treatment or testing have been produced using transgenic animals?
- If B cells have been obtained from another person, should they be anonymous donors?
Side effects
- Should people with multiple sclerosis be denied treatments involving monoclonal antibodies because of the potentially increased side effects?
Test yourself on Ethical Issues
Which of these is an ethical issue to consider surrounding vaccines?
Which questions fall into the category 'Who should receive vaccinations?'
Which of the following statements about ethical issues on antibodies are true?
Which ethical issue is NOT about the release of information?