Abstract

In recent years, the vaccine debate has become increasingly vitriolic and entrenched. The goal of this symposium is to aid in a more constructive conversation between pro–vaccination/anti–vaccination groups. Twelve parents share their personal stories discussing why they chose to vaccinate—or not. In addition to these narratives, four experts in sociology, rhetoric, ethics, and medicine provide commentaries about the stories and add their own insights about the vaccine debate. The stories and commentaries illustrate the complexities and depth involved in vaccine decisions, and challenge the simplistic way in which the vaccine debate is typically depicted.

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