COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING VACCINE HESITANCY AMONG PARENTS IN PEDIATRIC PRACTICE

Arzibekov Abdikadir

COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING VACCINE HESITANCY AMONG PARENTS IN PEDIATRIC PRACTICE

Arzibekov Abdikadir

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor Head of the Department of pediatrics of the Faculty of Medicine, ASMI

##semicolon## vaccine hesitancy; pediatric practice; communication; presumptive recommendation; motivational interviewing.

सार

Vaccine hesitancy in pediatrics is rarely “fixed” by more data alone. In everyday practice, parents’ decisions are shaped by trust, prior experiences, social influence, perceived risk, and how clinicians communicate under time pressure. Evidence supports a set of communication strategies that increase acceptance while preserving the therapeutic relationship: giving a strong presumptive recommendation, using empathetic listening and respectful correction of misinformation, applying motivational interviewing (MI) techniques when resistance persists, and pairing conversation with practical systems such as reminders, standing orders, and convenient scheduling. This article summarizes evidence-based, clinic-ready communication approaches to reduce vaccine hesitancy among parents, including language examples, visit structure, and follow-up tactics. It emphasizes differentiating hesitant parents from refusers, focusing on shared values (child safety, healthy development), addressing “good-faith questions” without argument, and documenting a clear plan for continued dialogue. Guidance is aligned with resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC, and WHO communication tools, alongside evidence reviews on provider–parent vaccine conversations.

##submission.citations##

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