Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Religion and Vaccine Hesitancy

The Link Between Religion and Vaccine Hesitancy: A Complex Relationship

In a surprising turn of events, many scientists and public health officials were taken aback by the widespread vaccine hesitancy and hostility towards COVID-19 vaccines among large segments of the public. Even three years after the start of the pandemic, about 1 in 5 Americans have not received a single dose of any COVID-19 vaccine, according to CDC data.

One of the key factors cited for this vaccine hesitancy is religion. Researchers studying the role of religion in vaccine attitudes and behaviors have found that the connection between religion and vaccines is significant but much more nuanced than simple stereotypes assume. A person’s religious beliefs, practices, and identity can all have distinct effects on their attitudes towards vaccines.

A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults in May 2021 shed light on the complex relationship between religion and vaccine attitudes. The study found that individuals who view the Bible as the literal word of God or as inspired by God were less likely to see vaccines in general as safe and effective compared to those who see the Bible as a book of history and morality created by humans.

Interestingly, when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines specifically, an individual’s religious tradition plays a more significant role in shaping their attitudes. Protestants, both evangelical and non-evangelical, express more skepticism towards COVID-19 vaccines compared to respondents from other religious traditions and non-religious individuals.

One factor that could explain these patterns is Christian nationalism, an ideology that advocates for the fusion of Christianity with American politics and public life. Individuals who adhere to Christian nationalist beliefs were found to be less likely to have received or plan to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Belief in an intervening higher power that actively intervenes in the world was also found to influence vaccine attitudes. Those with the lowest belief in an intervening higher power were more likely to be vaccinated or intend to get vaccinated compared to those with the highest belief in such a power.

Additionally, belief in parareligious phenomena, such as New Ageism and occultism, was associated with a reduced likelihood of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. However, this vaccine gap was reduced when accounting for higher rates of conspiratorial belief and distrust in science among individuals who believe in parareligious phenomena.

Overall, these studies highlight the complex and varied relationship between religion and vaccine attitudes. Public health campaigns targeting faith communities should take into account the diverse beliefs and practices within religious groups to effectively address vaccine hesitancy.