anti-vaccine

adjective

ˌan-tē-vak-ˈsēn,
ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce anti-vaccine (audio)
-ˈvak-ˌsēn
variants or less commonly antivaccine
: opposed to the use of vaccines
A handful of parents and anti-vaccine activists told lawmakers … that they believe vaccines are responsible for countless cases of autism, learning disabilities and death.Jim Hughes
… the rising global threat of antivaccine sentiments and vaccine misinformation contributed to the WHO [=World Health Organization] classifying vaccine hesitancy as a top ten global health threat in 2019 …David M. Higgins and Sean T. O'Leary

Examples of anti-vaccine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Public health experts and scientists have expressed fear about Kennedy’s long history as an anti-vaccine advocate since President Trump nominated him as secretary shortly after the election. Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025 Geier died March 20, according to an obituary published by Children’s Health Defense, the anti-vaccine group founded by Kennedy. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025 Kennedy, a long-time anti-vaccine activist, also drew criticism last week for removing the FDA's top vaccine official, a move that unsettled many lawmakers and health advocates. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 Kennedy, a prominent anti-vaccine activist and prolific conspiracy theorist, was tapped by Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services days after he was reelected president in November. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2025 Health Secretary and anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is slashing a total of 20,000 jobs across the Department of Health and Human Services—or about 24 percent of the workforce—in a sweeping overhaul said to improve efficiency and save money, Kennedy and the HHS announced Thursday. ArsTechnica, 27 Mar. 2025 Instead, the Department of Health and Human Services, led by longtime anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., requested raw data from the CDC’s Vaccine Safety Datalink and three other sources. Erika Edwards, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2025 Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been criticized for his anti-vaccine views, voiced support for the MMR vaccine amid the measles outbreak. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 People familiar with Weldon's meetings with senators said Republicans were frustrated with his unfamiliarity with the CDC's workings and a lack of details on priorities for the agency, as well as an unwillingness to assuage concerns that he was perceived as anti-vaccine. Alexander Tin, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anti-vaccine was in 1880

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Cite this Entry

“Anti-vaccine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anti-vaccine. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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