The science behind the strategies
Explore evidence-based communication scenarios for overcoming vaccine hesitancy
The scenarios we recommend are rooted in evidence-based communication strategies that have been adapted to support vaccination uptake.
Review these strategies and corresponding sample scenarios to discover techniques and specific dialogue for approaching the vaccine conversation confidently and effectively.
“A strong recommendation from a health care provider is the single most important factor in determining whether or not someone gets vaccinated.”1
—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Strategies in action
Adopt a presumptive approach:
Opening the vaccine conversation with a statement rather than a question leads to more parents accepting vaccinations for their children.2,3
The science of persuasion
When it comes to improving vaccination rates, using presumptive language is recommended over a participatory approach.2,3
State that the child will receive vaccines as though you presume the parents are ready to accept recommended vaccines for their child during that visit.2
Use reflective listening:
Allow patients to express their beliefs. After they share, try to interpret the meaning behind their answer, and ask them to clarify if you’ve understood them correctly.4
“I’d like to delay my child’s vaccinations. Can we save this for her next appointment?”
Parent:
“I’d like to delay my child’s vaccinations. Can we save this for her next appointment?”
HCP:
“I’m hearing that you’d like an alternative vaccination schedule. Could you help me understand why?”
Parent:
“It just seems like a lot all at once, and I’m not sure if it’s safe.”
HCP:
“The CDC-recommended vaccination schedule is designed to help protect children before they are exposed to vaccine- preventable diseases.5
It’s based on many factors, including how your child’s immune system responds to vaccines at various ages, and how likely your child is to be exposed to a particular disease.5
Delaying vaccines could leave your child vulnerable to disease and may lead to serious complications.5
I feel confident in this schedule, which is recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and approved by the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), etc.”6
The science of persuasion
Tell parents the bottom-line meaning or the “gist” of a message to help them remember and take action on the information you provided. Messages with gists are expected to be more compelling to parents than those that simply state facts verbatim.7
Make affirmations:
Create a comfortable environment where parents may be more open to change. Reassure them by validating their motivations and good intentions to do what’s best for their child.4
“I’ve heard a lot of conflicting information, and I don’t know what to believe.”
Parent:
“I’ve heard a lot of conflicting information, and I don’t know what to believe.”
HCP:
“I understand that you just want to make the best decision for your child. It can be hard when you’re unsure which information is true and which isn’t. Is there anything specific that I can help clear up?”
Parent:
“Well, my best friend read something on social media and now she doesn’t want to vaccinate her family.”
HCP:
“It’s good that you have someone you trust who can share their personal choices like that. I hope you can also trust me to help with your vaccination decision.
Vaccinations are an important part of your child’s health.8 So important that I make sure my family and I are all vaccinated.”
The science of persuasion
Providers who share their own personal stories may stand a better chance of connecting with vaccine-hesitant parents. Parents likely want to hear that you vaccinate your children, or about other personal experiences you have with vaccination.2
Ask open-ended questions:
Invite parents to actively participate in the conversation and elaborate on their beliefs.4
“I didn’t know he needed 3 shots today. That seems like a lot!”
Parent:
“I didn’t know he needed 3 shots today. That seems like a lot!”
HCP:
“I’m sorry we didn’t talk about this more during our last visit. What worries you about vaccinating today?”
Parent:
“Well, they don’t all seem necessary to me. I didn’t get some of these vaccines and I was fine.”
HCP:
“I see why you would think that. But vaccines are an important part of helping to protect the health of our children.9
We’re lucky. Unlike our parents, we don’t have to stay up at night worrying about diseases like polio.9,10 That’s because the majority of kids are vaccinated.11
Vaccines do often cause mild side effects that go away quickly on their own and yes, serious side effects can occur… but they are rare.12
When a vaccine is delayed, children are vulnerable to certain diseases that they may encounter.5
There are no data to show that spacing out vaccines is safer or more effective than following the CDC recommendations.”5
The science of persuasion
Social norms play a key role in parents’ decision-making process.13 Remind parents that most children are vaccinated to reinforce that it’s a social norm.14
Elicit permission:
Ask if it’s okay to talk about vaccines and provide any facts they may want to know. Then, ask how they feel knowing that information.15
“What about vaccine side effects?”
Parent:
“I’m not sure I want my child to get those shots. I’m a little concerned about the side effects.”
HCP:
“That’s understandable. Can you tell me what concerns you the most?”
Parent:
“Well, I’ve heard they can be dangerous.”
HCP:
“Vaccines can cause side effects that are usually mild and go away quickly on their own, such as a low-grade fever, headache and/or pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given.12
Serious side effects are extremely rare, but could include severe allergic reaction. Signs of a severe allergic reaction could be difficulty breathing, swelling of face and throat, a fast heartbeat, dizziness and weakness, and/or a bad rash on the body. Does that help address your concerns?”12
Parent:
“I’m still not sure.”
HCP:
“Okay. I’ll give you some information to read and we can reschedule a visit in 2-3 days to discuss any questions or concerns you might still have. Does that sound good?”
The science of persuasion
Show parents you understand their concerns by providing them with both the benefits and risks of vaccines. Some parents may feel adequately informed about the benefits, but underinformed about the risks.2 It can be helpful to acknowledge that parents ask for all the information because they want to do what’s best for their child.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) play a key role in vaccine hesitancy16
Learn how you can adapt conversations to better support your patient population:
Explore other scenarios and strategies for overcoming vaccine hesitancy.
Safety concerns/general mistrust:
“How do I know vaccines are safe?”
Lack of information:
“How do I know which vaccines I need/my child needs?”
All scenarios:
Download a comprehensive PDF
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Educate the parent or patient. Reviewed May 7, 2019. Accessed January 17, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/educating-patients.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Talking with parents about vaccines. Published August 9, 2024. Accessed November 1, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-children/hcp/conversation-tips/index.html
- Opel DJ, Mangione-Smith R, Robinson JD, et al. The influence of provider communication behaviors on parental vaccine acceptance and visit experience. Am J Public Health. 2015;105(10):1998-2004. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2014.302425
- Miller WR, Rollnick S. Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change and Grow. 4th ed. New York, NY: The Guilford Press; 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reasons to follow CDC’s recommended immunization schedule. Published August 9, 2024. Accessed August 19, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-children/schedules/reasons-to-follow.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Who sets the immunization schedule? Updated August 9, 2024. Accessed August 19, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-children/schedules/who-sets.html
- Reyna VF, Edelson S, Hayes B, Garavito D. Supporting health and medical decision making: findings and insights from fuzzy-trace theory. Med Decis Making. 2022;42(6):741-754. doi:10.1177/0272989X221105473
- US Department of Health and Human Services. Vaccine basics. Reviewed November 9, 2022. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/basics/index.html
- US Department of Health and Human Services. Five important reasons to vaccinate your child. Reviewed May 6, 2022. Accessed May 30, 2025. https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/get-vaccinated/for-parents/five-reasons/index.html
- Talbird SE, Carrico J, La EM, et al. Impact of routine childhood immunization in reducing vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States. Pediatrics. 2022;150(3):e2021056013. doi:10.1542/peds.2021-056013
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Immunization. Reviewed April 15, 2024. Accessed June 17, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/immunize.html
- US Department of Health and Human Services. Vaccine side effects. Reviewed May 6, 2022. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/basics/safety/side-effects/index.html
- Goje O, Kapoor A. Meeting the challenge of vaccine hesitancy. Cleve Clin J Med. 2024;91(9 suppl 1):S50-S56. doi:10.3949/ccjm.91.s1.08
- Hill HA, Yankey D, Elam-Evans LD, Chen M, Singleton JA. Vaccination coverage by age 24 months among children born in 2019 and 2020 — National Immunization Survey-Child, United States, 2020–2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2023;72(44):1190–1196. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7244a3
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Communication strategies: motivational interviewing. Reviewed July 9, 2021. Accessed June 13, 2025. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/healthy-active-living-for-families/communicating-with-families/motivational-interviewing/
- Nguyen KH, Srivastav A, Lindley MC, et al. Parental vaccine hesitancy and association with childhood diphtheria, tetanus toxoid, and acellular pertussis; measles, mumps, and rubella; rotavirus; and combined 7-series vaccination. Am J Prev Med. 2022;62(3):367-376. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2021.08.015