The impact of vaccination on public health in the context of refugees and the migration crisis

Abstract

The article explores public health challenges in Poland, with a particular focus on the role of vaccination in the epidemiological monitoring of infectious diseases. One of the issues it addresses is the constitutional duty placed on public authorities to protect public health. For several reasons, the need to give effect to that duty has become especially urgent in recent years. The author identifies three main concerns. First, vaccination uptake among migrants and refugees remains low. Secondly, opposition to vaccination is growing within Polish society. Thirdly, the principles of equality before the law and equal treatment under the law are being compromised when it comes to enforcing vaccination requirements among Polish citizens and foreign nationals. Poland also lacks a national strategy for vaccinating migrants. Over the longer term, these factors represent a risk to public health.