Quality Health Communication Is Critical to Optimal Adult Immunization

Scott C. Ratzan, Ruth M. Parker, Kenneth H. Rabin, and Glen J. Nowak, “Quality Health Communication Is Critical to Optimal Adult Immunization,” Annals of Internal Medicine, January 12, 2024.

Abstract: In this issue of the Annals, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule, United States, 2024 (4), confirms ACIP’s competence in preparing current, evidence-based vaccination recommendations. However, it also demonstrates that the CDC has not moved sufficiently beyond merely providing information to clinicians and the public to persuasive communication. We believe that the CDC has the opportunity, the authority, and moreover, the duty to provide clinicians and the public with better communications to help adult Americans understand the value of vaccines and decide to accept them. The CDC must quickly raise its persuasive communication game, but we cannot expect it to do so by itself. To foster this, we recently joined with more than 50 health communication researchers and practitioners to create a nonpartisan Council for Quality Health Communication. The Council's aim is to support new technologies and advocate for improved health communication research, policy, and practice in public and private sectors.