In a time when misinformation threatens public health and trust in science, there is a critical role for ID professionals to play. The session “Increasing Vaccine Confidence” at 10:30 a.m. ET, Monday, Oct. 20, will offer a timely and essential conversation for health care professionals, educators and advocates.
Moderated by Kathryn Edwards, MD, FIDSA, a retired vaccinologist from Vanderbilt University, and Catherine Mary Healy, MD, FIDSA, a member of the IDWeek Program Committee, the session will start with an intentionally positive spin.
“Every year, I’ve wanted to present this topic in a way that’s proactive and hopeful,” she said. The session speakers were on board, wanting to present a session that focuses on building confidence rather than focusing on hesitancy.
There is plenty of evidence to back up that emphasis, Dr. Edwards said. “Vaccines have had a greater impact on human health than anything else except clean water,” she said. “Everyone should be interested in this dialogue.”
The session will include three leading experts, each deeply involved in promoting vaccine acceptance. Heather Lanthorn, ScD, MPH, assistant director of research and programs at the Duke Global Health Innovation Center and Innovations in Healthcare, will kick off the session with the presentation “Promoting Confidence in an Era of Misinformation.”
Dr. Lanthorn will share insights on promoting vaccine confidence through effective science communication. Her work focuses on combating misinformation translating data into accessible, culturally appropriate messaging. “Her passion is infectious,” said Dr. Edwards, who noted that Dr. Lanthorn was selected based on strong recommendations from leaders in communication strategy.
Lori Handy, MD, MSCE, associate professor of clinical pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, will discuss the “Intersection of Vaccine Education and Science Communication,” drawing on her daily work educating families and communities.
Sean T. O’Leary, MD, MPH, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado and chair of the Committee on Infectious Diseases at the American Academy of Pediatrics, will close the session with a comprehensive overview of current vaccine advocacy efforts. He’s been a vocal leader in countering misinformation and is deeply involved in legal and policy initiatives.
“He’s the face of vaccines for the academy,” Dr. Edwards said. “He’ll give us the pulse of what’s happening nationally.”
Attendees will leave the session with practical tools and strategies to initiate meaningful conversations about vaccines, whether in clinical settings or community spaces. “We want people to walk away with a plan,” Dr. Healy said. “A way to implement what they’ve learned in their own practice.”
Dr. Edwards emphasized that while not everyone in the room may administer vaccines daily, everyone can be an advocate for vaccination. “This session will help you become a spokesperson for the truth about vaccines.”