"I didn't vaccinate my baby because vaccines cause autism."

"The side effects of vaccines are worse than the risk of the disease."

"I know a person who got a vaccination and died."

"Read this on the internet about the dangers of vaccinations."

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, but even before that, I have encountered friends, relatives, and acquaintances who have tried to make decisions about whether they should vaccinate themselves or their kids. I'm sure many of you have heard these sorts of statements, too.

Often, when people try to make these health-related decisions, they fall victim to common psychological biases in their decision-making processes. My intent here is to provide information to help cut through flawed decision-making and help people make sound, informed decisions about vaccinations (and other decisions regarding medical procedures) that are free from bias.

First, let me be upfront about my own bias. I am a social scientist and grew up in a medical family. For the most part, I trust science and medical research and believe that........

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