Vaccine hesitancy is not a new phenomenon but it has reached troubling new heights in recent years.

The spread of misinformation on social media and increased distrust in the medical field have compounded the challenges that pediatricians face in getting children vaccinated.

In a recent investigation by The New York Times, pediatricians from across the nation shared their innovative approaches to engage hesitant parents and ultimately boost vaccination rates among children. With the stakes higher than ever, many are turning to detailed conversations around the immediate risks of skipping specific vaccines, while others are presenting trustworthy, non-governmental resources to which parents are more receptive.

"I often suggest bringing families back to discuss their concerns further," stated Dr. Marina Jeffery, a family medicine physician from Monroe, Louisiana. She has found that many initially skeptical parents ultimately decide to vaccinate their children following these critical discussions.

Dr. Percy Huggins from TriBeCa Pediatrics in Brooklyn emphasized the importance of empathetic listening. “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the moment when parents begin to trust you with their children's health plans,” he noted.

Rising Distrust and Diminishing Vaccination Rates

Recent years have marked a decline in vaccination rates among U.S. kindergartners. Dr. Susan McWhirter, a pediatrician in Columbus, Georgia, pointed out that she is seeing an alarming rise in vaccine refusal, particularly among parents who once fully vaccinated their infants. This trend has taken a sharp turn, especially following the conclusion of the pandemic.

A national survey conducted in October 2023 revealed that the number of adults believing approved vaccines were unsafe has doubled—from 9% in April 2021 to 16%. This includes vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), polio, and varicella.

Dr. Krupa Playforth, a pediatrician in Vienna, Virginia, expressed her concern: “It’s frightening to think we could see a resurgence of once-eradicated diseases.” Increasing cases of illnesses like measles have already prompted worries, particularly in light of potential shifts in public health messaging if controversial figures, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., gain influential positions.

“We are witnessing many parents questioning the necessity of vaccines,” Dr. Huggins acknowledged. “If someone like Mr. Kennedy is appointed to a health position, I suspect we will see more inquiries and skepticism arise.”

A Shifting Landscape of Trust

Historically, doctors have been the most trusted sources of medical information. However, this trust has plummeted since the onset of the pandemic. A study from July 2024 found that the number of Americans expressing substantial trust in their physicians has dropped to a mere 40%, a stark contrast to 72% in April 2020.

Dr. Playforth noted an overarching sense of mistrust directed toward the establishment. As a result, she feels inclined to share information from non-governmental sources, such as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and economists like Emily Oster, who write on parenting-centric topics. "People seem more willing to digest these narratives because they don’t feel they come from an official government body," she explained.

In her practice, Dr. Playforth openly discusses her own vaccine decisions for her children, recognizing the dual role social media plays in both spreading misinformation and providing a platform for reliable communication. Recently, she spent 40 minutes with the parents of an 8-week-old girl, debunking myths and demonstrating the importance of vaccination, leading them to ultimately decide in favor of it.

“We need to assure parents that our recommendations stem from a genuine desire to protect their children,” she emphasized.

New Approaches to Patient Engagement

Over time, some doctors have restructured their practices to allow for deeper conversations with concerned parents. Dr. Playforth admitted she had to adjust her previous tactics which often involved quickly dispelling myths or offering up numerous online resources. “Taking the time to engage in dialogue helps to clarify parent concerns directly,” she stated.

Not all medical professionals share the same methodology. Some choose to dismiss vaccine myths outright, but studies indicate that this approach often fails to reduce hesitancy.

Proper communication about possible vaccine side effects is essential, according to both Dr. Playforth and Dr. Phil Boucher, a pediatrician in Lincoln, Nebraska. By walking parents through potential adverse reactions clearly, they can build trust and present a more balanced view of vaccination.

Dr. McWhirter has become skilled at assessing which families are open to discussion and which are firmly entrenched in their views. “If someone mentions wanting to do their own research, it usually signals that they’re not receptive,” she said. For those willing to engage, she remains committed to providing accurate information, even at the cost of falling behind in scheduling.

Navigating Controversial Practices

In response to the increasing skepticism, some pediatric practices have opted to refuse service to families that refuse vaccinations, in an effort to protect high-risk patients from preventable diseases. This policy shift, which was once discouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics, was formally accepted in 2016.

However, caution is warranted, as Dr. Boucher noted, “Denying care to vaccine-hesitant families can lead to children lacking essential health resources.”

Conclusion

As pediatricians face the daunting task of rebuilding trust and countering misinformation, their commitment to listening and engaging with parents has never been more vital. In the battle against growing vaccine hesitancy, every conversation could play a pivotal role in safeguarding children and public health.