Many people are hesitant or skeptical about being vaccinated. There are numerous reasons for this that may be different amongst different populations. This page includes information on how to talk to patients who may be anxious or otherwise hesitant about getting the vaccine.
Physicians with positive working alliances with their patients likely have the best chance of helping patients feel comfortable with the vaccine. Please take time to listen to concerns, express empathy and understanding for the concerns, and to provide accurate information about the vaccines. This is the best way to move towards ending the pandemic.
Psychiatric News article -- Talking at the patient or community level about the importance of being vaccinated for COVID-19 takes preparation and sensitive communication: Vaccination Conversations: Influencing Critical Health Behaviors in COVID-19
National Institutes of Health Report: COVID-19 Vaccination -- Applying Behavioral and Social Science to Address Vaccine Hesitancy and Foster Vaccine Confidence [The content of this paper is based on what was known as of December 2020 regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Recommendations from this report may need to be adapted as new information becomes available.]
