Talking to Parents about Vaccines

Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers (IQIP) program

Many parents have questions about their children’s vaccines, and answering their questions can help parents feel confident in choosing to vaccinate their child according to the recommended immunization schedule. Materials to assist you in starting conversations with parents include:

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 conversations about immunization.

Video on Vaccine Communication with Parents

Watch this video that explains five research-based strategies to improve vaccine conversations with parents.

Sharing Information with Parents

Many parents appreciate any information you can provide them about vaccinations, whether in print form or websites they can visit. Information to share with parents includes:

If You Choose Not to Vaccinate Your Child

This information outlines possible risks for parents who choose to delay or decline a vaccine; it also offers steps for parents to take to protect their child, family, and others.

Vaccine-Preventable Disease Fact Sheets

Vaccine-preventable Diseases fact sheets.

These sheets provide facts, true stories, and information about the diseases that childhood vaccines help prevent.

Parent-Friendly Immunization Schedules and Related Information

Parent-friendly schedule (birth–6 yrs), Parent-friendly schedule (7–18 yrs)

Additional Resources for Health Care Providers

Printable Resources

Page last reviewed: July 9, 2019

Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases