Clinical communication and vaccine hesitancy: implications for the training of health professionals

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy has been recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the main threats to global public health. Despite Chile’s high rates of childhood vaccination, there has been a noticeable decrease in adult participation in vaccination campaigns, particularly for influenza and COVID-19, accompanied by an increase in controversy and public mistrust. This complex, multifactorial phenomenon cannot be addressed solely by disseminating scientific information; instead, it requires an understanding of the communication dynamics involved in health-related decision-making. In this context, healthcare professionals play a central role as reliable sources of information and as decision-makers, a role that depends not only on technical knowledge but also on the development of communication skills. However, evidence shows that training in clinical communication to address vaccine hesitancy is insufficient during medical and other health professional education, and that vaccine hesitancy may also exist among students and health professionals. This article examines vaccine hesitancy through the critical lens of communication and education.