La necessità in una società democratica degli obblighi vaccinali per i minori (nota a margine della sentenza della Corte EDU Vavricka e altri c. Repubblica Ceca, 8 aprile 2021)

The article deals with the ECtHR’s judgement Vavřička and others v. Czech Republic concerning child vaccination duty. The decision is topical in a period in which all Europe is grappling with vaccination against Covid-19. Even beyond the pandemic, the judgement is of great interest as it addresses several delicate issues, some of them not frequently touched by its case-law, such as the value of social solidarity and the duty to protect the health of all members of society, particularly those who are especially vulnerable. At the same time, it leaves some critical questions unanswered, such as that of the balance between the right of education and health protection. The judgement of the Court is crucial as it helps to reflect on the impact that a duty as pervasive as that of vaccination has on a “democratic society”, especially in a context of growing distrust of citizens in science and democratic institutions.