What does the Church teach about vaccines?

The Church permits vaccination and recognizes that receiving a safe and effective vaccine can be an act of responsible care for oneself and others. Moral judgment also considers necessity, risks, available alternatives, and how the vaccine was developed.

Health and the common good. Human life and bodily health are gifts entrusted to our care (CCC 2288). Vaccines can protect the recipient and vulnerable people who may be unable to receive them. This serves the common good, which includes social conditions that help persons and communities flourish (CCC 1906-1909). Depending on the seriousness and contagiousness of a disease, vaccination may carry a strong moral responsibility, especially for those caring for infants, elderly people, or patients with weakened immune systems.

Vaccines connected to abortion. Some vaccines have been researched, tested, or produced using cell lines originally derived from abortions performed decades ago. Abortion remains gravely evil, and medical progress can never justify it (CCC 2271). The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has taught that, when no ethically unproblematic alternative is available and there is a serious health danger, receiving such a vaccine can be morally permissible. The recipient's cooperation with the original abortion is remote and passive. Receiving the vaccine does not signify approval of abortion. Catholics should request ethically produced alternatives when they are available and encourage companies to develop them.

Conscience and responsibility. The Church does not teach that every vaccine must be received in every circumstance. A person may have a serious medical contraindication or a proportionate moral reason to decline. Conscience must be formed according to truth and sound evidence, rather than fear, rumor, or political pressure (CCC 1783-1785). Someone who declines a vaccine may still have duties to protect others through testing, staying home when contagious, or taking other reasonable precautions.

Public requirements. Civil authorities may adopt proportionate health measures for the common good, but those measures must respect human dignity, genuine medical limitations, and fundamental rights. Decisions should consider a vaccine's safety, effectiveness, the severity of the disease, and the burdens imposed. Neither public officials nor private citizens should treat people with contempt over a difficult medical decision.

Discuss personal risks with a trustworthy physician. Form your conscience with Catholic moral teaching, seek an ethical alternative when available, and take concrete steps to protect vulnerable neighbors.