Physicians play an important role in encouraging vaccination. Studies have shown that many people view their primary care provider as the most effective messenger on vaccines. Increasing numbers of measles cases across the country and decreasing vaccination rates for incoming California kindergarteners are highlighting the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy.  

To help health care practitioners feel more comfortable and be more effective when addressing immunizations with vaccine-hesitant parents, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Immunization Coalition (CIC) recently hosted a webinar – Crucial Conversations: Effective Communication Without Confrontation. The webinar is now available to stream from the CIC YouTube channel.

The webinar features Ken Hempstead, M.D., a primary care pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, who is a sought-after communication consultant, specializing in training health care professionals on how to engage with patients and families effectively. With a particular focus on vaccine communication, Dr. Hempstead has traveled nationwide, teaching health care providers how to navigate sensitive topics with confidence and care.

The webinar discusses common pitfalls in health care conversations and offers effective techniques to improve comfort, confidence and success in these interactions. By the end of the webinar, viewers will understand why vaccinations are important for children and improve their confidence in having conversations with parents about vaccinations for their children.

Watch the webinar here.