Physicians Lead Effort to Combat COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy

In a timely webinar addressing the critical role physicians play in building COVID-19 vaccine confidence, the American Medical Association brought together medical experts to tackle misconceptions and provide strategies for effective patient communication.

With half of U.S. adults now fully vaccinated and nearly two-thirds having received at least one dose, progress against the pandemic continues. However, physicians face significant challenges as vaccine supply now outpaces demand in many regions, with approximately one-quarter of Americans still hesitant or opposed to vaccination.

“As physicians, we have more work to do to reach all communities with a clear and consistent message that the vaccines for COVID-19 are safe, effective, and have followed the same rigorous scientific process that every vaccine does before it reaches the public,” said Dr. Mira Irons, chief health and science officer at the AMA.

The expert panel, which included AMA President Dr. Susan Bailey, AMA President-elect Dr. Gerald Harmon, infectious disease specialist Dr. Megan Srinivas, and Dr. Brian Castrucci of the de Beaumont Foundation, emphasized that physicians remain the most trusted source of vaccine information for patients.

Dr. Castrucci, whose organization researches messaging strategies to overcome vaccine hesitancy, stressed the importance of making vaccination conversations a routine part of every patient visit. “Make it a vital sign,” he advised. “There was a time when smoking wasn’t a vital sign. We made it a vital sign… Every patient, every visit, every physician.”

The panel addressed common misconceptions about the vaccines, beginning with concerns about vaccinating children. Dr. Bailey explained that while children often experience milder COVID-19 symptoms, they remain vulnerable to severe outcomes and can be significant vectors for transmission.

“I disagree with the premise that [the vaccine] has been untested,” Dr. Bailey said, noting that over one million 16-17 year-olds have already received the Pfizer vaccine, alongside thousands participating in clinical trials for younger age groups. Dr. Harmon added that children now represent about 25% of new COVID-19 cases.

Regarding the accelerated vaccine development timeline, Dr. Srinivas explained that mRNA technology has actually been in development for more than two decades. “This is not new technology,” she emphasized. “We’ve used it when we’ve been developing flu vaccines, even in the development of the Zika vaccine.”

The panelists agreed that explaining complex scientific concepts in relatable terms is crucial. Dr. Srinivas frequently uses food analogies, comparing vaccine development to making pizzas simultaneously rather than sequentially, and describing mRNA as a recipe for teaching the body to recognize the virus.

“When I talk to patients, one way I explain this is I talk about ordering a pizza from Domino’s,” she said. “When I order two pizzas, it takes longer if they make the first pizza and then go to make the second pizza. But when they overlap that process… my pizzas are both done in 10 minutes instead of waiting 20 minutes.”

The panelists also addressed specific concerns about fertility, allergies, and long-term effects. Dr. Bailey emphasized that no evidence exists linking COVID-19 vaccines to fertility issues, with multiple studies demonstrating safety in pregnant women. Dr. Harmon noted that pre-existing food or seasonal allergies are not contraindications for vaccination, though proper monitoring protocols are in place at all vaccination sites.

Dr. Castrucci highlighted the challenge of countering misinformation, particularly on social media where influencers are sometimes paid to spread false claims. “Social media is a challenge for us going forward,” he noted, adding that health professionals must confront misinformation with facts while being careful not to amplify false messages by repeating them.

The experts agreed that effective communication requires listening to patient concerns without judgment. “I encourage questions, make sure the patient understands that it’s natural to have questions about something new, and to be very empathetic when handling their concerns,” said Dr. Bailey.

Dr. Castrucci added that language matters: “Don’t blame and shame. Make sure we keep these conversations about health… The second that people think you are trying to persuade or manipulate, now it’s a conversation about liberty, freedom and government overreach.”

As vaccination efforts continue, Dr. Harmon emphasized the importance of community-based approaches, including bringing vaccines to churches, community centers, rural health facilities, and school events. “Let’s take an offensive position,” he urged, “and not just wait until [the virus] whacks us.”

Through continued education, compassionate communication, and meeting patients where they are, physicians remain essential to building the vaccine confidence necessary to end the pandemic.