Fear and opposition of vaccines goes as far back as the 18th century, and is hardly a new phenomenon. Prominent religious figures opposed vaccines as going “against God’s will to punish” and calling them “the devil’s work” (see Reverend John Williams of Massachusetts). Outside of religious arguments, people have argued about their personal liberties against mandated vaccines, spurred on by influential figures and politics.

• The Psychology Behind the Anti-Vaxx Movement
• Triggers of Anti-Vaccination Propaganda
• Technology and its Effects on the Anti-Vax Movement