Communicating about vaccines

Last week, The Wall Street Journal Health blog published an article about two papers published recently which explored acceptance of vaccines. Acceptance of vaccines is not just a matter of science, but a complex problem of culture, an increased number of vaccines required, and lack of familiarity with the diseases the vaccines are intended to prevent. Physicians should not just dismiss parent concerns about vaccines, but listen to the concerns and engage in communication with the parent about the particular concerns. Physicians and public health officials should also be aware of emerging rumors and concerns about vaccinations.

Vaccines are most effective on a population level, but assuring the population is vaccinated or not is a matter of tailoring communication about vaccines to each parent and child.