Work

Health system mistrust, ultra-orthodox Jews in the US, and vaccine hesitancy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A minority of ultra-Orthodox (Charedi) Jews choose not to be vaccinated, and their refusal has assumed significant importance from a variety of perspectives. Clinicians often encounter patients whose beliefs are different from their own. Vaccine hesitancy within the US Charedi Jewish community is a factor contributing to outbreaks of disease, reflecting a growing mistrust between communities and arms of the State played out on the terrain of bodies and societies. Clinicians need to be aware of and understand this broader context as a foundation of empathetic listening and epistemic humility that might lead to improved health for the Charedi community based on reinforced trust.

Source: Journal of Biosocial Science

DOI: 10.1017/s0021932025000124

Author: Zackary Berger

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics

Language: English

Topic: Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,550