Vaccine-Hesitant Man Reflects on What Changed His Mind

A USA TODAY columnist shares his personal journey from vaccine skepticism to advocacy.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A USA TODAY columnist shares his personal experience with being vaccine-hesitant and how he eventually changed his mind. He recounts learning about the discredited research linking vaccines to autism, living in a liberal area with high vaccine exemption rates, and initially compromising on his son's vaccination schedule. However, after learning more about the history of vaccines and the dangers of measles outbreaks, he ultimately decided to fully vaccinate his children.

Why it matters

This story provides a relatable, first-hand account of how someone can move from vaccine hesitancy to vaccine advocacy. It highlights the role that misinformation, personal experiences, and political divides can play in shaping views on vaccination, while also emphasizing the importance of having open and humble conversations to address public health concerns.

The details

The columnist, Joel Burgess, grew up in a military family where vaccines were routine. But as an adult in the late 1990s, he started hearing people question the safety of vaccines, particularly the discredited research by British doctor Andrew Wakefield linking the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism. Burgess lived in Asheville, North Carolina, a liberal area with high vaccine exemption rates, and knew people who didn't vaccinate their children. When his first child was born, Burgess initially agreed to spread out the vaccines, but then became more concerned about measles outbreaks in low-vaccination areas. After learning that Wakefield's research was fraudulent, Burgess decided to fully vaccinate his second child.

  • In the late 1990s, Burgess started hearing people question the safety of vaccines.
  • In 2010, the United Kingdom's General Medical Council stripped Andrew Wakefield of the ability to practice medicine after determining he had lied about his research.
  • By the time Burgess' second child was born, he told the doctor to give the child all the shots without delay.

The players

Joel Burgess

A USA TODAY columnist who was once vaccine-hesitant but changed his mind after learning more about the history of vaccines and the dangers of measles outbreaks.

Andrew Wakefield

A British doctor who published a discredited paper in the Lancet medical journal claiming a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, leading to widespread vaccine hesitancy.

Dr. Jonas Salk

A researcher who developed the polio vaccine, which Burgess' parents experienced the benefits of as their public facilities reopened and their childhoods were restored.

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What they’re saying

“I have to remind myself, with humility, that I once shared some of the same views of those eschewing immunization. And I don't think my reasons for being vaccine-hesitant were that far-fetched.”

— Joel Burgess (usatoday.com)

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of having open and humble conversations about vaccine hesitancy, rather than simply dismissing those with concerns as ignorant or misinformed. By acknowledging his own past vaccine hesitancy and the nuances involved, the columnist demonstrates how people can change their minds when presented with accurate information and personal experiences.