PEDIATRICS· 2026Q1
Frontline Staff Vaccine Communication During Pediatric Well-Child Encounters: A Mixed-Methods Study
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- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
Frontline staff (MAs, receptionists) in pediatric primary care engaged in vaccine communication in 51% of MA encounters and 6% of receptionist encounters, but MAs underutilized evidence-based presumptive communication (46% overall, 21% during flu season), learning practices informally.
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Key points
- Vaccine communication occurred in 51% of MA-parent interactions vs. 6% of receptionist-parent interactions.
- MAs used a presumptive communication format in 46% of encounters, but only 21% during influenza season compared to 76% when flu vaccines were unavailable.
- MA vaccine communication practices were primarily learned through on-the-job experience and peer learning, not formal training.
- Informal learning means influenza vaccines were often treated as optional rather than routinely recommended.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Evidence-based vaccine communication from clinicians is associated with improved parental vaccine acceptance. However, vaccine communication practices of frontline staff, including medical assistants (MAs) and receptionists, remain largely unknown. We aimed to characterize these practices during well-child encounters in pediatric primary care. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods study with direct observations of frontline staff in 2 pediatric practices in Denver, CO, during well-child encounters in the summer (no influenza vaccine available) and fall (influenza vaccine available) of 2024, recording the frequency and format of vaccine communication. Following the observations, we conducted semi-structured interviews with MAs to explore their vaccine communication practices, perceived roles, comfort, and training. RESULTS We observed 174 encounters (127 MA–parent, 47 receptionist–parent interactions). Vaccine communication occurred in at least 51% (95% CI, 43%–60%) of MA interactions vs 6% of receptionist interactions (P < .001). When vaccines were recommended, MAs used a presumptive format in 46% (95% CI, 34%–59%) of encounters overall, but far less during influenza season (21% vs 76%; P < .001). Interviews revealed that MA communication styles evolved through on-the-job experience and peer-to-peer learning rather than formal training, with influenza vaccines treated as optional rather than routinely recommended. CONCLUSIONS MAs frequently communicate with parents about vaccines during well-child encounters but underutilize evidence-based presumptive communication, particularly for influenza vaccines. Communication practices are learned informally through peer-to-peer learning, highlighting a significant opportunity for targeted training to support team-based vaccine communication in pediatric primary care.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. PEDIATRICS, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Health
HealthSocial Sciences