The potential public health consequences of “mRNA vaccine stigmatization” in the US

Abstract

This piece documents how policymakers have stigmatized mRNA vaccination, in contrast to other forms of vaccine technology, following the COVID-19 pandemic. It further argues that, although it is presently unclear whether elites’ efforts to stigmatize mRNA vaccines have spilled over to shape US public opinion, there is growing reason to believe that it might. Ultimately, mRNA vaccine stigmatization could erode public confidence in mRNA vaccination and limit access to life-saving vaccines. This piece concludes by outlining a research agenda for researchers at the intersection of politics and the life sciences who hope to better understand the causes and consequences of mRNA vaccine stigmatization.