Nearly half of Americans now question the science behind childhood vaccines, even though extensive evidence shows they are safe. This skepticism is troubling as trial lawyers exploit it to file groundless lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers with strong safety records. The legal claims rarely succeed or settle for minimal amounts, yet they generate headlines that erode trust in vaccines and encourage more litigation.
The consequences for public health are worrisome. Consider the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. It significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer. Some nations, like Australia, are close to eradicating HPV-related cancers due to widespread vaccination. However, in the United States, unfounded legal claims against the HPV vaccine’s safety persist, compromising public confidence despite the dismissal of such cases.
Media coverage of these lawsuits contributes to vaccine skepticism. Many Americans absorb headlines without knowing the specifics of the legal proceedings, leading to assumptions about vaccine safety issues. This fuels confusion, exacerbated by misinformation and inconsistent guidance from health authorities, causing trust in vaccines to plummet.
For example, four in ten parents doubt common misconceptions about vaccines, like the false belief that the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine causes autism. This uncertainty leads to decreased vaccination rates and the resurgence of diseases once eliminated. In 2025, over 2,200 measles cases were reported in the United States, with several hospitalizations and fatalities.
Troubling lawsuits are not new. In the 1980s, vaccine-related litigation threatened production, prompting Congress to establish the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The program offers a government-based process for those claiming vaccine injury, protecting both public health and vaccine innovation by eliminating the need for costly, unlikely-to-win court cases.
Despite its effectiveness, some lawyers sidestep the VICP, driven by potential financial gains. They capitalize on vaccine skepticism and ambiguous health leadership communications to bring cases to civil court. None have succeeded since the VICP’s inception, yet the lure of large settlements motivates continued legal actions.
These lawsuits jeopardize vaccine confidence, risking exposure to preventable diseases for many. Reinforcing the protections established by Congress is crucial. Frivolous litigation does not serve justice; instead, it weakens the public health foundation. As mixed messages from health leaders persist, policymakers, courts, and the public must identify and reject such tactics to protect lives.
The opinions in this article belong to Dr. Jerome Adams, who served as the U.S. Surgeon General from 2017 to 2021.