Vaccine hesitancy is a top 10 global health threat. As the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines continues, social media and online forums are a critical source of information and misinformation for the public. Vaccination against deadly diseases — such as smallpox, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella — are proven public health interventions that require large-scale participation toward community immunity. In the face of growing misinformation online, how do we ensure everyone has access to scientifically-sound and accurate information about the importance of vaccination and other vital public health messages?

In this Combatting Vaccine Hesitance discussion,  panelists discuss the importance of vaccine advocacy and how young people can support and promote factual health messaging during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The panel, which took place on August 12, 2020, featured

• Chelsea Clinton, vice chair of the Clinton Foundation
• Karen Ernst, Executive Director of Voices for Vaccines
• Judy Klein, President of Unity™ Consortium: United for Adolescent and Young Adult Vaccination
• Amy Pisani, MS, Executive Director of Vaccinate Your Family