CME: Vaccine hesitancy and denial: A problem for the ages coming into sharp focus during the pandemic

CME: Vaccine hesitancy and denial: A problem for the ages coming into sharp focus during the pandemic is organized by ScientiaCME.

Release Date: December 10, 2021
Expiration Date: December 10, 2023

Activity Description / Statement of Need:
In this online, self-learning activity:
The WHO defines vaccine hesitancy (VH) as a “delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services.” Despite substantial progress in rates of routine immunization over the decades prior to the most recent one, more recent trends suggest that immunization rates are beginning to plateau. Beyond VH and skepticism, there is also the embrace of outright vaccine rejection or denial fostered by the presence of disinformation on conventional and social media platforms including claims that vaccines are unsafe or unnecessary. Recent outbreaks of largely eradicated diseases such as measles, mumps, and diphtheria suggest that herd immunity may have suffered, putting those ineligible for vaccination at additional risk of infection. These developments have been attributed in part to VH and denial.

One large group with increasing VH is parents. A 2019 national survey found that approximately 1 in 4 parents reported serious concerns about vaccinating their children. Another study saw that in up to 35% of parents of well-vaccinated children demonstrate VH. Parents may raise issues that many providers feel ill-equipped to answer, due to a lack of thorough knowledge of all vaccines or lack of evidence-based communication strategies. Unfortunately, only a few evidence-based strategies exist to guide providers in their discussions with vaccine-hesitant parents.

Providers play a crucial role in vaccinating populations, but it is not and should not be their sole responsibility. Clinical practice sites, community organizations, health organizations, and government all contribute to addressing VH. Understanding potential solutions outside the office, such as media campaigns and policy changes, also provide insight into vaccine hesitancy and potential directions for future use.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session the participant will be able to:
• Recall factors associated with VH.
• Identify vaccine-specific reasons for VH and how to address them.
• Describe effective communication methods to discuss VH.
• Formulate strategies to address VH at the individual, institutional, and community levels.