Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy Through Inclusive Healthcare Approaches

Understanding the narratives behind people’s concerns about vaccines is crucial for public health advocates. It can help create a more inclusive approach to healthcare.

July 27, 2026

Throughout history, vaccines have faced skepticism regarding their science and safety. In 19th-century England, the introduction of a mandatory smallpox vaccine led to riots. People claimed it infringed on civil rights and violated bodily integrity. Similarly, in the United States, resistance has a long history. The Anti-Compulsory Vaccination League of Brooklyn was founded in 1894, exemplifying organized objection to vaccines.