Intersecting Faith and Public Health: Vaccination Decisions Among Canadian Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus

Religious beliefs significantly influence health decisions, including vaccination, where religious convictions often contribute to vaccine hesitancy-defined as the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite their availability and supporting evidence. This study addresses a gap in existing research on religion and vaccine hesitancy, which primarily focuses on Christian faiths, by exploring how Islam, Sikhism, and Hinduism impact vaccination decisions in Canada. As Canada's religious landscape shifts, with rising affiliations to non-Christian religions, greater understanding of how other religions influence vaccine decision-making is urgently needed. The study investigates the influence of religious beliefs on decisions regarding routine (e.g., Diphtheria, Measles) and seasonal (e.g., Influenza, COVID-19) vaccinations, while also assessing how intersections of religiosity with social identities, such as race, gender, and education etc., shape these decisions. Additionally, the role of religious leaders in public health communication and their potential as allies in promoting vaccination is explored. Using a community-engaged methodology, a cross-sectional survey will be conducted in Ontario and British Columbia among populations affiliated with Islam, Sikhism, and Hinduism. Data on vaccination perceptions, religious observance, and sociodemographic factors will be analyzed using established behavioural frameworks. Key informant interviews with religious leaders and public health decision-makers will explore strategies to engage religious leaders in vaccination efforts. This study aims to deepen understanding of vaccination decision-making among non-Christian religious groups, often underserved by public health systems. The findings will inform targeted, inclusive vaccine uptake strategies, offering insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders, and will be shared with stakeholders to ensure practical application and policy relevance.