Vaccination Risk Through the Lens of Faith, Family, and Community

Authors

  • Rachel E. Stein West Virginia University
  • Katie E. Corcoran West Virginia University
  • Corey Colyer West Virginia University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18061/jpac.v5i2.10526

Keywords:

vaccine, immunization, Amish, vaccine hesitancy

Abstract

Reasons for vaccine hesitancy, refusal, and acceptance within the Amish and Old Order Mennonite populations reflect the views of the larger society, often citing risks or protective factors as motivating behavior. We use the open-ended comments from a survey of Amish and Old Order Mennonite parents in the Holmes County, Ohio, settlement to explore views on vaccination decisions. We find the Amish and Mennonite respondents talk about vaccine risks and benefits through a moral worldview lens of faith, family, and community. We note the values of the Amish and Old Order Mennonites do not motivate behavior uniformly across all respondents. The findings have important implications for how health care workers provide information and care to people in the Amish community.

Author Biographies

Rachel E. Stein, West Virginia University

Rachel Stein is an Associate Professor at West Virginia University. Her

Katie E. Corcoran, West Virginia University

Professor 

Department of Sociology & Anthropology 

Corey Colyer, West Virginia University

Associate Professor

Department of Sociology & Anthropology

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Published

2025-07-15

Issue

Section

Articles