How to Talk to Your Doctor: Learn, Understand, Decide about Vaccines
Originating University: University of Arkansas Extension
Integrates adult immunization education into an existing health literacy program designed to improve patient-provider communication by teaching participants how to discuss vaccines with their healthcare providers using evidence-based information that addresses common hesitancies.
If you choose to adopt an EXCITE program, we encourage you to connect with your regional EXCITE Health Agent to support the implementation, reporting, and evaluation process so we can collectively demonstrate program impact to stakeholders. Find your regional health agent contact here.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will recognize the importance of adult vaccination through understanding how vaccines protect individuals and communities.
- Participants will improve their communication with healthcare providers by practicing the use of clear language when discussing vaccination decisions.
- Participants will make informed health decisions by applying learned
What’s Included
- Instructor’s manual
- Handouts or educational reinforcements
- Evaluation instrument
- Marketing materials
How It Works (Delivery Methods)
- Educational class
- Extension publication
- Group discussion
Training / Certification
Completion of the free online course “How to Talk to Patients about Vaccination,” which is specifically designed to equip educators with essential skills for communicating about vaccines with confidence and clarity, particularly in addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
Evaluation Plan
- Post-assessment
Expected Outcomes
Participants will:
- indicate intent to speak to a healthcare provider about vaccination
- demonstrate increased confidence in discussing vaccine-related concerns with a provider
- express improved confidence related to vaccine safety
Related Assets
Free online course “How to Talk to Patients about Vaccination.” [Take the Course]
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Quick Facts
- Intended audience: Rural adults, who may have lower health literacy levels and face unique vaccination challenges, including heightened concerns about vaccine safety, long-term side effects, effectiveness, and necessity, compared to urban residents.
- Format options: In‑person
- Sessions: 1 1-2 hour sessions
- All sessions required? Yes
- Typical providers: Extension professional; health care provider; community health worker or lay health educator
Contact
Program lead: Heather Wingo
Email: hwingo@uada.edu
