Some parents may lack the information they need.1-3
As their health care provider, you may be able to help them move forward1-3
Access to credible health information should be a right. But for some, access may be a challenge. Or, they simply may not know which sources are trustworthy.4,5 That’s why they may rely on you.3
The hesitancy scenarios offered here can help you find a relatable way to offer the reliable information patients need to make the decision to vaccinate.
What hesitancy sounds like…
“How do I know which vaccines my child needs?”
Patient:
“How do I know which vaccines my child needs?”
HCP:
“The pediatric vaccine schedule is recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and approved by the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.6
The CDC schedule is online. Just search ‘CDC vaccine schedules.’
You can also count on me to answer your questions. Today, it looks like your child needs [X].”
You may also be hearing…
“Where do you get your information? How do I know I can trust it?
HCP:
“What questions do you have about today’s scheduled vaccine?”
Parent:
“Where do you get your information? How do I know I can trust it?”
HCP:
“Great question! I’m glad you asked. My goal is to ensure I have the best information to help keep your child healthy.
I always refer to the CDC immunization schedule for vaccine recommendations.6 However, I also consult the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians for information, as well.
[I also refer to x, y, z articles and sites.]
Would you like me to provide you with information you can take with you to review later?”
“I thought vaccines were only for children.”
Parent:
“I thought vaccines were only for children.”
HCP:
“Vaccinations are needed at different stages of life and through adulthood to help keep you and those around you safe from preventable infectious disease.6,7,8,9
Adults will need some vaccines because immunity from certain childhood vaccines can wear off over time. Additionally, as an adult, you may be at risk for different diseases.9
Vaccines are an important way to help take care of your health and the health of your children.”8,10
“What happens if my child doesn’t get vaccinated?”
Parent:
“What happens if my child doesn’t get vaccinated?”
HCP:
“Vaccinations help your child’s immune system protect against certain diseases.11
Without vaccination, your child could be at risk for certain major illnesses and the consequences of those diseases.”8
Explore other scenarios and strategies for overcoming vaccine hesitancy.
Safety concerns/general mistrust:
“How do I know vaccines are safe?”
Learn more:
The science behind the strategies
Vaccine necessity:
“Why does my child need this vaccine? It’s not required by our school.”
“Why does my child need this vaccine? It’s not required by our school.”
All scenarios:
Download a comprehensive PDF
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Talking with parents about vaccines for infants. Reviewed April 11, 2018. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/conversations/talking-with-parents.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preparing for questions parents may ask about vaccines. Reviewed April 11, 2018. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/conversations/preparing-for-parent-vaccine-questions.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Educate the parent or patient. Reviewed May 7, 2019. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/educating-patients.html
- MacDonald NE; SAGE Working Group on Vaccine Hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy: definition, scope and determinants. Vaccine. 2015;33(34):4161-4164. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.04.036
- MedlinePlus. Evaluating health information. Updated February 26, 2024. Accessed March 5, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/evaluatinghealthinformation.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule for ages 18 years or younger, United States, 2024. Updated February 29, 2024. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended adult immunization schedule for ages 19 years or older, United States, 2024. Updated February 29, 2024. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/downloads/adult/adult-combined-schedule.pdf
- US Department of Health and Human Services. Five important reasons to vaccinate your child. Reviewed May 6, 2022. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/getvaccinated/ for-parents/five-reasons/index.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are vaccines you need as an adult. Reviewed July 30, 2021. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/index.html
- US Department of Health and Human Services. Vaccine basics. Reviewed November 9, 2022. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/basics/index.html
- US Department of Health and Human Services. Vaccines protect you. How do vaccines work? Reviewed May 6, 2022. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/basics/work/prevention/index