Communication and basic health counselling skills to tackle vaccine hesitancy

Abstract

Introduction. The Italian law 119/2017 mandates ten childhood vaccinations to allow population aged 0-16 attend educational places and state school. This law enforcement is due to low coverage rates for some vaccine-preventable diseases and a complex phenomenon as known as vaccine hesitancy.

Methods. Within a broad e-learning course programme promoted by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità to public health professionals, a specific training module was developed on communication and basic health counselling skills which represent relevant resources to let healthcare workers effectively address vaccine hesitancy in the population.

Results. We indicated recommended communication approaches and basic health counselling skills to be applied by public health professionals according to the specific target population with vaccine deficit, that means people not at all or partially reached by vaccinations.

Discussion and conclusions. Public health professionals are called to know, acquire, use, and adapt basic health counselling skills to effectively address vaccine hesitancy diversely affecting different groups of population.