In her book “Stuck: How Vaccine Rumors Start—and Why They Won’t Go Away,” Heidi Larson, an anthropologist and Director of the Vaccine Confidence Project, explores the underlying causes of vaccine hesitancy. The book, written in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, examines social factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy—a topic that became highly relevant during the pandemic.
Larson opens with a chapter titled “On Rumor,” where she states, “Managing rumors is about understanding and managing the emotions which drive them, not attempting to judge whether they are true or false.” She provides examples from various global contexts such as polio in Nigeria and HPV in Japan to illustrate how culture, history, and emotion affect vaccine acceptance. Larson explains how unchecked rumors can lead to widespread distrust that jeopardizes vaccination efforts.
The author further discusses how trust issues underlie misinformation problems. She highlights concerns related to message delivery, decision-making processes, and historical or political experiences shaping public perceptions of vaccines. The book delves into themes like risk perception, emotional contagion, and belief’s influence.
Rather than offering solutions for changing current dialogues on vaccines, Larson aims to help readers understand social dynamics affecting vaccine confidence. In an era rife with misinformation, her work underscores that rebuilding trust through humility, empathy, and dialogue is crucial. Addressing people’s fears and motivations proactively is key to preventing rumor proliferation.
Contributed by Charlotte A. Moser
