Do Jehovah’s Witnesses accept vaccination? (can Jehovah Witnesses get vaccinated?)

In one of my theology classes, a student asked whether Jehovah’s Witnesses get vaccinated. His question triggered a spark of interest among other students.

Others believed they did, while others were unsure.

Based on my deep understanding of the bible and a clear knowledge of their beliefs, I was able to come up with an answer.

As a result, I decided to write this article to answer this question: “Do Jehovah’s Witnesses accept vaccination.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to approve of vaccination. According to them, members should make their own decisions concerning vaccination. They imply this is a matter of individual interpretation of religious principles and personal conscience.

In this article, I will explore whether vaccination is biblical for Jehovah’s Witnesses, the reasons they originally denounced vaccinations, and many interesting facts.

Read along to uncover the answers.

Do Jehovah’s Witnesses accept vaccines?

Yes, they do. According to Jehovah’s Witness, they do not oppose vaccination. They believe that getting vaccinated is a critical choice that is left in the hands of their members.

They also say that they are in support of quality healthcare systems and that they are proud of the measures put in place by medical professionals to help reduce the risks of serious illnesses.

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe they have proved their support for vaccination based on how they have been showing their support and awareness for vaccines such as the COVID-19 vaccines.

Additionally, they imply that most of their members have been vaccinated.

Why did Jehovah’s Witness denounce vaccinations originally?

Do Jehovah’s Witnesses accept vaccination? 
Why did Jehovah’s Witness denounce vaccinations originally? Image source: Pixabay

In earlier years, it is believed that Jehovah’s Witnesses did not accept vaccination, but over the years, their stance on vaccinations has evolved.

It is suggested that these are some of the reasons why they changed views on vaccination.

Bible doctrines

Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their strong beliefs that are based on their interpretation and understanding of the bible.

According to them, the bible prohibits the consumption of blood, and since they believe that some vaccines may contain blood components, they suggested that it was against their doctrines for one to be vaccinated.

They supported their stance using Acts 15:29, where, according to this verse, believers are encouraged to avoid consuming food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of a strangled animal, and sexual immorality: “You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.

Vaccines formulation

In the early 20th century, the Jehovah’s Witnesses believed that some vaccines were made using human fetal cells, animal products, and some substances that were against their belief systems, hence causing concerns among them.

For instance, the smallpox vaccine was produced using components derived from animals. This led to their hesitancy in accepting vaccinations.

Mandates by the government

At certain times in history, some governments initiated mandatory vaccination programs.

These conflicted with the Jehovah’s Witnesses beliefs on personal conscience, where they believe that each individual has the authority to make their own informed decisions regarding their health and medical care.

Some felt as though the autonomy to make their own decision was snatched away from them, leading to the rejection of vaccines required by law.

When did Jehovah Witness allow their believers to get vaccinations?

Jehovah’s Witnesses have yet to express a specific date or timeframe to show when they allowed their followers to be vaccinated.

However, over the last decade, as years passed by, it is believed that the doctrines of Jehovah’s Witnesses on vaccinations changed.

They become more welcoming to the idea of vaccinations and its benefits for the human body. While some were still in doubt, they gave freedom of choice to their members on the matter.

They also encourage their members to do what is reasonable to help them prolong life, even if it’s by taking medical measures such as getting vaccinated.

Are there some Jehovah’s Witness who refuse vaccination?

can Jehovah Witnesses get vaccinated?
Are there some Jehovah’s Witness who refuse vaccination? Image source: Pixabay

The doctrines of Jehovah’s Witnesses allow them to get vaccinated.

They suggest that it is a personal decision for each of their members to make according to their personal beliefs and understanding of the medical landscape; however, some still refuse vaccination.

It is believed that these are some of the reasons they oppose vaccination.

Personal beliefs

It is believed that Jehovah’s Witnesses are allowed to decide, depending on their understanding, whether or not to accept vaccinations for themselves or their families.

Some are still skeptical about vaccines and their components, leading them to object to vaccination.

Old believers

It is speculated that some Jehovah’s Witnesses are still holding onto their old belief systems. Some staunch members of the organization refuse to accept the concept of vaccinations and its importance.

Due to this, they refuse vaccinations.

The efficacy and safety of vaccines

It is believed that some Jehovah’s Witnesses still have doubts about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Some may opt to abstain from them since they view them as hazardous.

Variability on vaccines

It is believed that some Jehovah’s Witnesses accept vaccination as an integral part of maintaining and having good health, although some are still hesitant to accept it.

They say that different congregations uphold different belief systems; while some are more accepting of the concept of vaccination, others may be more cautious towards it.

Is vaccination biblical for Jehovah’s Witness?

Yes, it is Biblical. It is believed that Jehovah’s witness base their belief on vaccinations based on their understanding and interpretation of the bible.

They support their creed in relation to these two scriptures from the bible.

Roman 13:1-2

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”

In these verses, Paul encourages believers to be subject to authority. The Jehovah’s Witnesses uphold this teaching as it is among their biblical beliefs.

Due to this, they acknowledge and respect the efforts of medical science and government implementations on how to eradicate preventable illnesses.

Galatian 6:5

In this verse, Paul tells believers to carry their own load. This means they ought to be responsible for their actions.

Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasizes this by suggesting that the decision on vaccinations is a personal choice and their members have the free will to decide for themselves what they want.

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