The rise of anti-vaccination legislation in two Midwestern US states: Implications for politics, policy, and society

Abstract

Abstract During the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, vaccination became a contested issue between politicians at both national and state levels as well as among the public, which became increasingly polarized over this matter. Across the country, a large number of bills were proposed in state legislatures that had the potential to reduce vaccination rates. This short commentary mapped the growth of anti-vaccination legislation in two Midwestern states: South Dakota and Minnesota. We documented the increased volume and scope of anti-vaccination bills and discussed the implications for politics, health, and society. More specifically, it is likely that similar anti-vaccination bills will be proposed in future legislative sessions, which will impose further challenges on public health officials seeking to restore the public’s trust in vaccines.