WASHINGTON, May 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As COVID-19 vaccines become more accessible, Americans overwhelmingly say they most trust their own doctor for information about vaccination. To help physicians build confidence in the vaccines, the de Beaumont Foundation and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials have released a short vaccine communication guide based on recent polling and focus groups that have identified language that Americans say would be most compelling. The guide also incorporates recommendations from the American Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Titled "From Concern to Confidence: How Physicians Can Build Trust in COVID-19 Vaccines," the four-page document offers recommendations and sample language that can help allay vaccine concerns to encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated. The six recommended actions for doctors to help build vaccine confidence are:
The guide also provides samples of effective messaging, including specific language to address concerns about side effects, worries about the rapid development of the vaccines, and misinformation.
Brian C. Castrucci, DrPH, President and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, said, "In our polls and focus groups, we've heard from people of different ages, ethnicities, income levels, and political parties. One thing that's consistent is that physicians are the most effective messengers for people who are still deciding if they'll get vaccinated."
Michael Fraser, CEO of ASTHO, said, "Physicians and other medical professionals can play a key role in ending the pandemic. We're distributing this short guide to every state health official in the hope that it will prompt productive discussions so people can make the decision that's right for them and their loved ones."
Much of the suggested language in the guide has been developed from polling and focus groups the de Beaumont Foundation has conducted with pollster Frank Luntz. For research insights and sample language, visit ChangingTheCOVIDConversation.org.
About the de Beaumont Foundation
Founded in 1998, the de Beaumont Foundation creates and invests in bold solutions that improve the health of communities across the country. The Foundation advances policy, builds partnerships, and strengthens public health to create communities where people can achieve their best possible health. For more information, visit debeaumont.org.
About the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
ASTHO is the national nonprofit organization representing public health agencies in the United States, the U.S. Territories, and the District of Columbia, and over 100,000 public health professionals these agencies employ. ASTHO members, the chief health officials of these jurisdictions, formulate and influence sound public health policy and ensure excellence in state-based public health practice.
Media Contacts:
Mark Miller, de Beaumont Foundation
(301) 802-6783
Jane Esworthy, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
(703) 231-4111
SOURCE de Beaumont Foundation
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