The Impact of Narrative on Vaccine Skepticism and Public Health

WHO:

The Conversation - Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is associated with the Make America Healthy Again movement.

The Conversation - Kirk Milhoan is the Kennedy-appointed head of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

WHAT:

The Conversation - Vaccine hesitancy refers to individuals who refuse or delay some or all vaccines.

The Conversation - The number of people expressing vaccine-hesitant views continues to grow.

The Conversation - The CDC announced a rollback of the childhood vaccine schedule, described as a return to “individual-based decision-making.”

WHERE:

The Conversation - The Anti-Compulsory Vaccination League of Brooklyn was established in Brooklyn, United States.

WHY:

The Conversation - Vaccine hesitancy is fueled by misinformation, the desire for social belonging, and deeply held religious beliefs.

The Conversation - Some individuals may distrust the medical system, be critical of the government, or connect with compelling narratives about personal freedom.

The Conversation - Vulnerable or marginalized groups, such as Black Americans, may have historical reasons for skepticism towards health recommendations due to forced medical experimentation and systemic discrimination.

HOW:

Ars Technica - Vaccine-hesitant groups use storytelling to craft compelling narratives that undermine vaccine confidence.

The Conversation - Public health experts and science communicators have created accessibly written educational materials about vaccines to improve scientific literacy.

The Conversation - Some researchers are embracing strategies that engage with literary features, such as symbolism, to address vaccine hesitancy.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 17:35 UTC)

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is leading the Make America Healthy Again movement, while Kirk Milhoan has been appointed as the head of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Vaccine hesitancy, which refers to the refusal or delay of vaccinations, is on the rise, prompting the CDC to announce a rollback of the childhood vaccine schedule in favor of “individual-based decision-making.” This hesitancy is often fueled by misinformation and distrust in the medical system, particularly among marginalized groups who have historical reasons for skepticism, leading some researchers to develop engaging educational materials that address these concerns through storytelling and literary techniques.