Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Physician Assistant

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-22-2026

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the literature review is to identify factors that contribute to vaccine hesitancy and evaluate evidence-based communication techniques. Effective communication techniques can be implemented in clinical practice to address hesitancy and improve parental attitudes toward vaccination.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify studies examining parental vaccine hesitancy and provider communication strategies. Search terms included vaccine hesitancy, parental attitudes, childhood immunization, communication strategies, motivational interviewing, and vaccination uptake. Peer-reviewed English-language articles published between 2012 and 2025 were reviewed. Seven studies were selected based on relevance, methodological quality, and applicability to clinical practice, and were synthesized to identify common themes related to parental perceptions, trust in healthcare providers, communication strategies, and interventions.

Results: Vaccine hesitancy is influenced by a combination of individual beliefs and sociocultural factors. Major themes identified with vaccine hesitancy included parental trust in providers and vaccination, as well as communication quality. Presumptive communication, motivational interviewing, and tailored communication to parental groups were associated with improved confidence in vaccination.

Conclusion: Combined presumptive, motivational interviewing, and communication tailored to parental readiness provide healthcare professionals with the tools to improve childhood vaccine confidence. Individualized and trust-based communication strategies have been demonstrated to be more effective than information-based counseling to address vaccine hesitancy. Additional research is needed to evaluate vaccination uptake long term and interventions that begin at prenatal visits.

Keywords: vaccine hesitancy; childhood immunization; provider communication; motivational interviewing; presumptive communication; vaccine confidence

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Azucena Hernandez (she/her) has a specific interest in dermatology and pediatrics and is passionate about providing evidence based patient centered care through effective communication strategies. She will be be presenting her graduate project on " Reframing the Conversation: Evidence Based Communication Strategies to Address Parental Vaccine Hesitancy" which reflects her interest in improving conversation between healthcare providers and families.

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