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Date of Award
Spring 2023
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Jaime Shaffer, MPAS, PA-C
Abstract
COVID-19 spread across the globe in March of 2020 and forcefully changed healthcare and the perception of medicine forever. While childhood immunizations were recommended to continue by government officials, many parents delayed or canceled well-child visits and most outpatient clinics had to reduce appointments to account for social distancing. Prior to the pandemic vaccine hesitancy was on the rise, and vaccine preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, and pertussis began to emerge throughout communities across the United States. The pandemic only worsened public opinions regarding vaccination. The development of COVID-19 vaccines introduced conspiracy theories regarding vaccination and subsequently divided the country amongst political parties. It is critical for healthcare providers to understand not only previous vaccine controversies, but new vaccine concerns following the pandemic. This article addresses vaccine history, vaccine hesitancy, and is meant to function as a guide to aid healthcare providers in leading vaccine conversations with patients and guardians of patients.
Recommended Citation
Vassallo, Dianna, "Approaching Vaccine Hesitant Patients Following the COVID-19 Pandemic" (2023). Capstone Showcase. 91.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2023/pa/91
Approaching Vaccine Hesitant Patients Following the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 spread across the globe in March of 2020 and forcefully changed healthcare and the perception of medicine forever. While childhood immunizations were recommended to continue by government officials, many parents delayed or canceled well-child visits and most outpatient clinics had to reduce appointments to account for social distancing. Prior to the pandemic vaccine hesitancy was on the rise, and vaccine preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, and pertussis began to emerge throughout communities across the United States. The pandemic only worsened public opinions regarding vaccination. The development of COVID-19 vaccines introduced conspiracy theories regarding vaccination and subsequently divided the country amongst political parties. It is critical for healthcare providers to understand not only previous vaccine controversies, but new vaccine concerns following the pandemic. This article addresses vaccine history, vaccine hesitancy, and is meant to function as a guide to aid healthcare providers in leading vaccine conversations with patients and guardians of patients.