Nearly half of Americans now question the established science on vaccines for children, despite decades of evidence demonstrating their safety. This doubt has paved the way for trial lawyers to file lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers, even when these claims lack merit. Although these cases often result in losses or minimal settlements, the mere act of filing them can erode public confidence in vaccines and lead to more lawsuits.
One example is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer by up to 90 percent. In some countries, widespread vaccination efforts are leading to the potential eradication of HPV-related cancers. Australia might become the first country to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035 due to these efforts. In contrast, the United States faces legal challenges and false safety claims regarding this vaccine, further damaging public trust.
Many Americans are unaware of the specifics behind these legal cases. They see headlines and assume the claims have validity simply because a lawsuit exists. This contributes to growing vaccine skepticism, fueled by misinformation, inconsistent guidance from health authorities, and comments from current Health and Human Services (HHS) leadership questioning established science.
The impact is tangible. In 2025, declining vaccination rates led to over 2,200 measles cases in the U.S., with 11 percent requiring hospitalization and resulting in three deaths, including two children. Other diseases once nearly eradicated, such as whooping cough, are resurging, causing preventable suffering and hospitalizations.
In the 1980s, a surge in lawsuits claimed that the diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus vaccines were harmful, threatening vaccine production. To address this, Congress implemented the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), allowing individuals to seek compensation for vaccine-related injuries without resorting to costly and unlikely court battles.
The VICP effectively minimizes lawsuits while securing vaccine availability. However, some lawyers exploit vaccine skepticism, seeking to bypass the VICP and pursue civil lawsuits for potentially large payouts, even though these cases have never succeeded since the program’s inception. These actions prioritize financial gain over public health.
It is crucial to reinforce the safeguards established by Congress. Baseless lawsuits undermine public health efforts and should be recognized for their negative impact, particularly amidst unclear messaging from HHS leadership. Policymakers and the public must resist these tactics to protect lives from preventable diseases.
Dr. Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General, contributed his perspective to this article. The views expressed are his own.