Talking to Parents about Vaccines
Many parents have questions about their children’s vaccines, and answering their questions can help parents feel confident in choosing to immunize their child according to the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule. The materials below are intended to help health care professionals start or continue conversations with parents.
The materials include proven communication strategies and tips for effectively addressing questions you may hear from parents, as well as information for parents who choose not to vaccinate. There is also a video featuring a CDC pediatrician answering tough vaccine questions—It may be helpful for you as well as for parents in your practice.
Talking with Parents about Vaccines for Infants
For health care professionals
These resources provide guidance for structuring effective vaccine conversations and answering parent questions.
Talking with Parents about Vaccines for Infants
Learn conversational techniques and find resources for discussing vaccines with parents.
Preparing for Questions Parents May Ask About Vaccines
Many parents have similar questions about vaccines. Prepare for common parent questions and learn techniques for your immunization conversations.
Quick Responses to Infant and HPV Vaccine Questions pdf icon
Use this printable handout to train staff on how to address parents’ questions about vaccines for children and adolescents.
Vaccine Communication With Parents: Best Practices – Nancy Messonnier, M.D., CAPT (Retired), USPHS
For health care professionals
Listen to CDC’s Dr. Nancy Messonnier explain 5 research-based strategies to improve vaccine conversations with parents in this Medscape videoexternal icon.
Outlines possible risks for parents who choose to delay or decline a vaccine; offers steps for parents to take to protect their child, family and others.
Printed size: 8-1/2″x 11″, 2 pages
Commercial printer files available upon request
Get the Picture: Childhood Immunizations
For parents and caregivers
About These Materials
These materials, collectively called Provider Resources for Vaccine Conversations with Parents, have been developed by CDC, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP),external icon and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).external icon
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- Tips and Time-savers for Talking with Parents About HPV Vaccine pdf icon[1 page]
- Understanding Vaccines and Vaccine Safety
- Diseases and the Vaccines that Prevent Them – For Parents of Infants and Young Children (Birth through Age 6)
- Diseases and the Vaccines that Prevent Them – For Parents of Preteens and Teens (7 through 18 years old)