In the United States, religion raises doubts about vaccination: It is too simplistic to say that people are wary out of ignorance

The image depicts a sign that reads “Trust in God, not in vaccines” during a protest in Los Angeles, California, in April 2022, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The photo was taken by MARIO TAMA/GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP.

Antivax and religion: Kira Ganga Kieffer, a visiting professor in religious studies at Fairfield University (Connecticut), discusses sensitive topics in her book “Unvaccinated Under God: Religion and Vaccine Hesitancy in Modern America,” published on May 19 by Princeton University Press. She challenges common misconceptions about why believers are hesitant about vaccines.

Does religion influence believers to not get vaccinated? Kira Ganga Kieffer explains that contrary to popular belief, most religious leaders across various traditions support vaccination.