Addressing vaccine hesitancy in immunization programs, clinics, and practices

Question 1

What are the 5 evidence-based recommendations that CPS recommends on how to best address hesitancy and improve vaccine uptake rates?

Answer 1

1. Detect and address vaccine-hesitant subgroups
2. Educating all health care providers involved with immunization on best practices
   - health care provider beliefs around immunization have a strong influence on patient vaccine acceptance
   - health care provider’s own immunization status tends to reflect in their patients’ vaccine records
3. Utilizing evidence-based strategies known to increase vaccine uptake
   * target under-immunized subgroups with tailored interventions
   * make vaccine services more convenient and accessible
   * engage community leaders
   * remind patients by text, email, or snail mail
   * ensure uniformity of information across Canada
   * promoting and using strategies to minimize immunization pain
   * consider mandates and/or incentives for immunization
   * building trust between immunization program and community is foundational
4. Educating children, youth and adults on the importance of immunization for health
5. Working collaboratively with government, NGOs and community leaders/religious leader