The Role of Frontline Service Providers in Combatting Vaccine Misinformation

Vaccine hesitancy is increasing, posing a threat to global public health. As public health agencies struggle to reach their intended audience due to increasing media fragmentation, front-line service providers (Physicians and members of their care team) will be important for combatting vaccine misinformation and reducing vaccine hesitancy. We propose a study exploring how physicians and members of their care team (Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners) talk about vaccination with their patients and whether and how they address vaccine misinformation. This study will be used to generate a strategic toolkit for providers to address these issues interactively with their patients. Findings will be disseminated to providers through presentations at hospital grand rounds.