Vaccine Hesitancy and Communication

Vaccine hesitancy is defined by the WHO as 'the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines.' In 2019, WHO identified vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health. In Canada and globally, vaccine hesitancy is a significant driver of under-immunization and the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases. For the RPN, effective communication with hesitant families is a critical clinical skill. The correct approach is neither dismissive (ignoring concerns) nor confrontational (arguing). Evidence consistently shows that presumptive announcements, empathic exploration, and clear professional recommendation are most effective at maintaining vaccine confidence. For the REx-PN exam, hesitancy communication questions test the candidate's ability to apply evidence-based communication strategies and provide accurate responses to specific vaccine myths. On the exam, writers often pair stable-sounding options with unstable data—notice the mismatch before you commit. If the stem names a license or role, reread that line; scope errors are classic trap answers even when the clinical topic is familiar. Run a 60-second scan: breathing work and oxygenation, perfusion and end organs, neuro baseline, likely infection sources, and devices that...