Resource Articles

Immunizations and Religion

Most religions have no prohibition against vaccinations, however some have considerations, concerns or restrictions regarding vaccination in general, particular reasons for vaccination, or specific vaccine ingredients. Below is a list of the current position of some of the more common religious faiths. Buddhism - Buddhism has no central authority that determines doctrine. Vaccination is widely accepted in predominantly Buddhist countries.

Smallpox Vaccine

Smallpox is an acute, contagious illness characterized by fever, backache, and prostration followed by the appearance of an eruption of papules and vesicles which became pustular by the eighth day. Although smallpox disease has been eradicated worldwide, researchers sometimes still use the vaccinia virus, which is the virus used in the smallpox vaccine. These research faculty and staff may obtain smallpox vaccine from OHC at no charge.

Varicella Vaccine

Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is a two-dose immunization series which provides immunity to chickenpox. For adults, this vaccine is recommended only for those who lack natural immunity. Occupational Health provides the vaccine at no charge for VUMC faculty/staff whose immunity test shows they do not have immunity to varicella, or for those who have begun the vaccine series and need to complete it.