Recognize and Respond: Developing Tailored Communications With Parents To Improve Pediatric Vaccination Coverage

Pediatric vaccination rates have been declining in recent years. A relatively small percentage of people take a strict anti-vaccination stance regardless of evidence or scientific consensus, but other individuals, classified as “vaccine-hesitant,” are moving toward anti-vaccination, or “vaccine refusal” practices for a variety of reasons, including aggressive misinformation campaigns, lack of understanding of vaccines, distrust of healthcare, and safety concerns. For clinicians, the circumstances are frustrating and the limited amount of time available to spend with patients and parents makes effectively addressing concerns or mitigating distrust difficult.

Given the present landscape, this activity will help clinicians efficiently establish translational practices considerate of the psychological and sociological evidence that underlies pediatric vaccine hesitancy in parents. Watch videos depicting typical conversations between parents and clinicians to learn strategies for addressing vaccine-hesitant parents, and access a range of training materials and resources designed to improve clinical competency in engaging parents in nuanced ways. Reasons for vaccine hesitancy and motivators for change differ among individuals. Find out how to address parents according to their specific questions and concerns to provide the best care possible for your most vulnerable patients today!