Since the COVID-19 vaccination was approved by the FDA, Great social stigma has been associated with unvaccinated people including new moms and people with medical exemption. Although these people choose not to get vaccinated because they are worried about the potential risk of the vaccine, many of them are still mislabeled as "anti-vaccine" and some are enduring social isolation. Therefore, it is significant to reduce the stigma of the unvaccinated people and create a tolerant environment for them.

​

Many parents including new mothers refused to get vaccinated because they are worried about the potential damage of the vaccination to their children, and because of this, they are labeled as "anti-vaxxer". A study of non-vaccinated parents in Australia interviewed twenty-one parents and showed their experience during the pandemic. Parents are mislabeled and stereotyped as "anti-vaccine". They are also losing social status and relationship which leads to their social isolation. Moreover, they are discriminated against by medical professionals and other parents. The stereotype and discrimination brought by the stigma of unvaccinated people is causing mental health of these parents. We should respect their concerns about the vaccine because they are trying to protect their children and that's is understandable.  

​

On the other hand, a lot of unvaccinated people are feeling isolated more or less. Michelle Fiordaliso has not taken the vaccine because she had an unexplained stroke before and her doctor thought the vaccine might be contraindicated. She is feeling uncomfortable around people and having some daily issues because of her vaccine status. She said, “I admit being unvaccinated was easier when I was living in a remote place where I saw few people. But in a metropolis, I’m faced with these uncomfortable conversations much more. While people are willing to meet me outdoors in summer, understandably they may feel differently about meeting indoors next winter. I love dancing but my favorite classes are closed to anyone without proof of vaccination — attending with a mask is no longer an option.” Michelle is afraid of losing her social connection and hesitating whether to take the vaccine even though it may bring damage. Michelle certainly could not be the only person who is feeling isolated because of being unvaccinated. There are a lot of unvaccinated people with medical exemption are suffering from great social pressure.

 

It is important to reduce the social stigma of the unvaccinated people because they are not vaccine conspiracy theorists. They are unvaccinated because they are afraid of the potential damage of the vaccine. Many of them would like to get the vaccine but cannot, and they are facing many problems including social isolation and discrimination. In this difficult and challenging time, we should have more patience and support to these unvaccinated people.