Mandatory vaccination in children: conflict between autonomy and duty

Since the creation of the National Immunization Program, Brazil has become a world reference, mainly regarding the number of immunized children. However, studies show that in the last seven years, the number of unvaccinated children has increased considerably. In this sense, the aim of this study was to explain that, although families have the freedom of individual autonomy, the right to life is constitutionally provided, as well as, it is the duty of the State to protect children and adolescents. Therefore, a bibliography approach was performed in order to present the perspective of different authors, concepts, definitions, characteristics and procedures that allow the proper understanding of the subject.