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Beyond the Recommendation: Using Motivational Interviewing to Navigate Vaccine Hesitancy

Clinical Thought

When patients are hesitant about vaccines, the goal should not be to “win” an argument. Rather than try to convince them of my position, I try to build a conversation using motivational interviewing techniques. Motivational interviewing provides a practical framework that helps preserve trust, explore concerns, and guide patients toward informed decisions while respecting their autonomy. Read on to learn how I would apply these techniques to RSV vaccine discussions with an older adult.

Released: August 10, 2026

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Provided by Clinical Care Options, LLC dba Decera Clinical Education

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Supporters

This educational activity is supported by independent medical education grants from GSK, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and Sanofi.

GSK

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA

Sanofi

Target Audience

This activity is intended for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, pharmacists, and nurses, including primary care providers and specialists, who are involved in providing vaccine services.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Advise patients and caregivers about vaccine safety to alleviate common concerns about vaccines and their components

  • Provide tailored, evidence-based messaging strategies for each individual when recommending vaccines

  • Demonstrate respectful counseling techniques when responding to vaccine misinformation and disinformation

Financial Disclosures

Primary Author

Julie Ann Justo, PharmD, MS, FIDSA, BCPS: consultant/advisor/speaker: bioMerieux, Shionogi.

Additional Disclosures

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools were used for drafting educational content. All AI-assisted content underwent human review, editing, and validation by qualified faculty and accredited education staff to ensure scientific accuracy, balance, and compliance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education.