The practices and beliefs of various religious groups can seemingly be in conflict with some of the components of some vaccines. Many reasons have been identified such as aborted fetuses, adverse events, and divine fate or destiny. The Institute for Vaccine Safety website provides information on religious beliefs and vaccines.

1. Religious and Philosophical beliefs in major religious affiliations in the U.S. has revealed common religious concerns with vaccines, such as the use of fetal tissue in vaccine development (Wombwell et al., 2015). The concern about the lawfulness of production, distribution and use of certain vaccines connected with acts of abortion, the best known, and perhaps the most important is the vaccine against Rubella (German measles).
2. A recent study found that stronger philosophical beliefs (e.g. that health is controlled by God) predicted more negative vaccine attitudes. The discussion around this conversation is linked to adverse events, the effectiveness of vaccines, and whether vaccines are necessary for believers. The Institute for Vaccine Safety and Immunize.org addresses these concerns: religion and vaccines and resources and information for religious concerns.

In closing, many statements from religious leaders emphasize that taking vaccines is a moral act, such as an act of neighborly love. While many may agree, it is important to emphasize a different aspect, which is to discuss the morals of the scientists who are developing these vaccines. Thus, vaccine communications should highlight the shared values between scientists and the religious community