Communicating Effectively About Vaccines
New Communication Resources for Health Officials
Year Developed: 2010
Resource Type: Publication.Primary Audience: Clinicians
Secondary Audience: Outreach Staff
Health Center Staff
Language(s): English
Developed by: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (See other resources developed by this organization).
Resource Summary: Communicating effectively with parents about the importance of vaccines is a key issue for the public health community to address. In August 2009, ASTHO commissioned a survey of U.S. parents and guardians to gather information about effective messages and materials for state and territorial health officials to use to better address parental concerns and promote the benefits of vaccines.
Resource Details: The subject of vaccines is especially contentious today. There are numerous messages circulating both for and against vaccines. Meanwhile, data shows that an increasing number of parents have concerns about vaccines, and some are following alternative schedules. ASTHO hopes these new resources will assist state and territorial health officials in their multifaceted roles of communicating effectively on the benefits and safety of vaccines to parents, policy makers, media, and the public as a means to better support informed decision making.
Resource Topic: Clinical Issues
Resource Subtopic: COVID-19.
Keywords: Immunization.This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $6,625,000 with 0 percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.