Guide to Vaccine Advocacy & Education
How you can help stop the spread of misinformation and disease through peer education, pro-immunization careers, and community activism.
In 2019, even before COVID-19 brought the world to its knees, the World Health Organization identified vaccine hesitancy as one of the top-10 global health threats.
According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, 16.3 percent of American adults report having some level of hesitancy to getting the COVID-19 vaccine (as of August 2021), and that number skyrockets to over 25 percent in states with the highest level of hesitancy. One of the main causes of this hesitancy, regardless of vaccination type, is misinformation spread by a growing movement of vaccine deniers, or anti-vaxxers.
Now as COVID-19 has been declared “over” as a global health emergency, we can still see the effects of vaccine hesitancy in many places. Essential health services have failed to reach pre-pandemic levels, including routine immunizations which have sustained the largest decline in childhood vaccinations in three decades.
The truth is immunizations prevent 4 to 5 million deaths each year and need to be defended. So, how can you join the fight for vaccines? There are many ways to do your part, from educating friends who have misconceptions about vaccinations, to volunteering at local immunization drives, to dedicating your life’s work to vaccine research in a public health career. Keep reading to see how you can take action, make a difference, and become a champion for vaccines.
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How to Have Productive Conversations with Anti-Vaxxers & Vaccine Hesitant Parents
Most of us know at least someone who is suspicious of vaccines, maybe even a relative or close friend. Doctors and medical professionals see many patients who are wary of vaccinations as well. How do we productively convince them that not getting vaccinations themselves or for their kids is the real danger? It can feel overwhelming to counter the sheer amount of misinformation out there today, but several effective methods exist. Take a look at some of the following strategies for talking to and educating anti-vaxxers and vaccine hesitant parents.
Be empathetic, not patronizing.
When you have such a strong belief in the importance of vaccinations, it can be all too easy to harshly judge others who do not see things your way. This approach rarely leads to changed minds, however, making it important for you to understand the underlying reasons why some people have become fearful of vaccines.
Rather than preaching about the benefits of immunizations, try to establish yourself as a non-judgmental, trusted resource for gathering factual information and sharing concerns. At the end of the day people want to do what’s best for their health and the health of their children. You can support that journey with the right approach.
Show real stories of the risks of not vaccinating.
Many of the hesitations surrounding vaccinations originate from false perceptions and misinformation alongside fearmongering. Rather than playing into this cyclical pattern of mythmaking, try to highlight some of the actual threats resulting from not vaccinating.
A 2015 study by a team of psychologists from UCLA and the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign found that showing vaccine skeptics research that proves no link between vaccines and autism did nothing to change beliefs, but sharing pictures and descriptions of the diseases vaccines protect against did.
Dispel common myths and fears about vaccines.
One of the reasons for the increased awareness of and appreciation for vaccines is that so many misperceptions and falsehoods surround them. Here are some of the most popular myths (and the actual facts) to share with anti-vaxxers or vaccine-hesitant parents.
Myth #1
Vaccines cause autism.
Reality:
While it’s true that autism is typically diagnosed around the same time as vaccines such as MMR are given, several comprehensive and large studies found no causality between the two. Factors contributing to autism diagnoses include genetics, metabolic issues, exposure to toxins, and issues around viral infections.
Myth #2
Many of the diseases vaccinated against in childhood are a normal part of growing up and don’t require immunization.
Reality:
Nearly 230,000 people contract influenza and are hospitalized each year, with approximately 10 percent of those patients being children. Approximately 36,000 of those people die from the disease each year. Vaccinations help the body develop an immunity to the infection and lessen the effects of the disease.
Myth #3
Lots of kids around my child already had their vaccinations, making it safe for her/him to not be immunized.
Reality:
While herd or community immunity is an important part of reducing the outbreak of disease, you cannot depend on this system to keep your child safe. This is especially true when a group of parents take on such a mentality then send their children to school assuming others will protect them. Herd immunity only works when the vast majority of individuals have been vaccinated.
Myth #4
Vaccinations against diseases like measles and whooping cough are no longer needed because these diseases don’t really exist anymore.
Reality:
As evidenced by several high-profile measles outbreaks in 2019, this line of thinking is patently flawed. Because more and more parents and individuals have refrained from getting the vaccination, incidents of outbreak are on the rise. These diseases only disappeared in the first place due to widespread immunization against them.
Myth #5
The ingredient Thimerosal, used to preserve vaccines, can give me or my child mercury poisoning.
Reality:
While Thimerosal does contain a mercury compound known as ethylmercury, this is not the same as methylmercury, the compound commonly associated with mercury poisoning. Thimerosal is only used in multi-dose vials, none of which are among recommended childhood vaccines.
Myth #6
Infants’ immune systems can be overwhelmed when giving multiple vaccines at once.
Reality:
No studies have found this to be true because vaccines do not prevent an infant’s immune system from responding. Using an alternative schedule or spacing out vaccines results in more shots, more visits to a clinic, and an increased risk of children developing fears around seeing doctors.
Myth #7
Babies have to be aborted to produce vaccines.
Reality:
Absolutely false. While some vaccines do require human cell culture to grow, these cell lines were developed from two legally aborted fetuses from the 1960s. The abortions did not occur in order for the cells to be harvested and these same cell lines are still in use. No new fetal tissue needs to be attained.
Myth #8
My child is protected from diseases because I’m breastfeeding.
Reality:
While breastfeeding does protect against some infections, it is not a substitute for vaccinating. Breastfeeding temporarily protects against some respiratory and ear infections but can be overridden by exposure to large amounts of germs.
Sources: World Health Organization ; American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology ; Canadian Pediatric Society
Explain what’s really in vaccines and how they work within the body.
Understanding the basic science behind vaccinations is important in becoming a pro-vaccine advocate and educating others. While you don’t need to comprehend advanced details, having a firm grasp of common ingredients, their purposes, and why they are safe can go a long way.
| Ingredient Type | Purpose | Example | Why It’s Safe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antigens | Introducing miniscule amounts of weakened or dead germs help our bodies familiarize themselves with infections and learn how to fight against them more effectively and efficiently. | Bacteria, protozoa, certain proteins | Antigens help bodies recognize the disease and fight against it without actually causing a person to contract an illness. |
| Adjuvants | Added to some vaccines, these substances help our bodies produce a more robust response when a vaccine is given and helps boost immunity levels. | Aluminum | Adjuvants have been safely used in vaccines for more than seven decades with no issues. |
| Preservatives | Just as preservatives are used in food, vaccine preservatives help fight against the introduction of bacteria, fungi, and general germs. | Thimerosal | Only trace amounts of preservatives are used and no thimerosal is used in children’s vaccines. |
| Stabilizers | Vaccine stabilizers steady active ingredients so they don’t evolve or lose potency due to temperature shifts or movement. | Sugar, gelatin | Stabilizers used in vaccines are similar to those used in foods and pose no threat of harm. |
| Cell culture material | These materials are used to grow the antigens used in vaccine production | Egg proteins | Cell culture materials such as eggs are harmless in nature and pose no threats. Individuals with severe egg allergies should talk with their doctor before getting a flu shot or yellow fever vaccine. There are special flu vaccines for people with severe egg allergies. |
| Antibiotics | Functioning somewhat like preservatives, antibiotics work to keep vaccines from growing germs and/or bacteria | Neomycin | Antibiotics are used to prevent bacteria, but parents should be aware that children can be allergic to some antibiotics so they should speak with their pediatrician first. |
| Inactivating ingredients | Keep vaccine safe by weakening or killing viruses, bacteria, or toxins. | Formaldehyde | Formaldehyde is produced naturally in the human body and helps produce energy by creating amino acids. It’s diluted during the vaccine production process and the concentration in vaccines is far less than what the body naturally produces. |
Sources: Vaccines.gov; FDA.gov, CDC.gov
Remind them why vaccines matter.
One of the most powerful steps you can take in educating others is to remind them why vaccines are so important in keeping our community – and world – safe. Each year, vaccines save the lives of between two and three million children from preventable diseases. Herd immunity helps ensure diseases such as measles, pertussis, and polio keep from spreading, but it’s only effective when the majority of a group has received their immunizations.
As countless studies have shown, vaccines are safe and effective. Except in rare cases of extenuating medical issues (e.g., allergies, compromised immune systems), vaccines can be safely used by anyone to protect against myriad illnesses.
Be respectful of legal exemptions for not vaccinating, even if you don’t agree.
Many states allow medical, religious, and/or philosophical exemptions for vaccines. Currently 50 states allow medical exemptions for children with compromised immune systems, allergic reactions to vaccine ingredients, or adverse reactions. Forty-eight states allow religious exemptions for individuals who can demonstrate membership in a religious sect that disagrees with immunizations. Twenty states allow parents with personal/philosophical beliefs to withhold their children. While you may not agree with some of these exemptions, it’s important to be respectful.
Encourage them to get back on track.
If you learn that a friend, family member, or someone else is behind on their immunization schedule, encourage them to get back on track rather than shaming them. Share the following CDC Vaccination Catchup Schedule to get them started.
Additional CDC Recommended Vaccination Schedules
Public Health & Medical Careers Where You Can Champion Vaccines
Ready to make a career out of advocating for vaccines and make a positive difference every day? Regardless of your professional interests, there are plenty of opportunities– from direct patient care positions to jobs in scientific research, community outreach, public policy, and beyond. Some pro-vaccine careers require only a high school diploma while others require a doctorate, providing options at every educational level. We highlight just a few of the possible career paths in this section.
Vaccine Researcher
Vaccine researchers address new epidemics and outbreaks by researching and developing immunizations to help curb and/or eliminate emerging illnesses. They analyze diseased cells and use these in developing inoculations that are safe for the public.
Where You’ll Work:
Vaccine researchers often work in laboratories or offices belonging to pharmaceutical companies, life science organizations, universities, hospitals, or medical manufacturing companies.
What It Takes to Get There:
Many vaccine researchers possess a Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, or another related science topic. Research assistants may only need a bachelor’s degree in these fields to qualify. Researchers working in labs do not typically need a license, but those who want to conduct clinical trials do.
How Much You Can Make:
Median pay for medical scientists in 2018 topped $84,810 while those in the top earners brought home in excess of $156,980. Meanwhile
Epidemiologist
With a focus on public health crises, epidemiologists examine patterns behind epidemics and find ways of reducing the spread of new illnesses. They frequently design research studies to help isolate causes of concern and conduct data and sample collections to better inform their findings.
Where You’ll Work:
Epidemiologists most commonly work in laboratory and/or office settings within health departments, hospitals, research foundations, or higher education institutions. Many work for state and federal agencies such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
What It Takes to Get There:
All positions require a master’s degree in public health with a specialization in epidemiology or a similar credential. Licensure is not required at this time, but some employers may seek candidates with specific certifications.
How Much You Can Make:
Epidemiologists in the 50th percentile of earners brought home at least $69,660 in 2018; those in the top 10th percentile earned more than $112,600.
Community Health Educator
Community health educators work in communities to help members of the public better understand how to adequately care for themselves and their loved ones. They may educate clients on the need for vaccines and answer common questions, or focus on providing training for other health educators.
Where You’ll Work:
Community health educators are frequently hired by government agencies and departments; state, local, and private hospitals; religious organizations; outpatient care centers; and community health clinics.
What It Takes to Get There:
These professionals must possess at minimum a bachelor’s degree in health promotion, health education, or a related topic. Some positions may require a graduate degree. Employers may require candidates to possess a Certified Health Education Specialist Credential, so read up on job mandates.
How Much You Can Make:
2018 median pay was $54,220 per year while those in the 90th percentile of earners commanded salaries in excess of $98,530.
Community Outreach Coordinator
Community outreach coordinators work in community clinics and other public health settings to ensure local residents can access the services they need, including vaccinations. They assess community needs, communicate between patients and healthcare providers, and create advocacy initiatives to ensure fair access across neighborhoods.
Where You’ll Work:
Community outreach coordinators can look for open positions via local, state, and federal governments, hospitals, community health clinics, outpatient care centers, and nonprofits focused on educating and supporting the public in bettering their health.
What It Takes to Get There:
Many positions require only a high school diploma, though some advanced positions may look for an associate or bachelor’s degree. Many employers give preference to candidates who can speak a second language.
How Much You Can Make:
2018 median pay sat at $39,540 per year while those in the top tenth percentile of earners commanded salaries in excess of $65,890.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric NPs work with newborns, infants, and toddlers to ensure they remain healthy during these critical early years. Aside from providing general nursing care in hospitals, clinics, NICUs, and community healthcare centers, NPs may also administer vaccinations and/or educate parents about their safety and efficacy.
Where You’ll Work:
These professionals most commonly work in NICU and pediatric wards of hospitals, physician offices, community clinics, or in educational positions.
What It Takes to Get There:
Pediatric nurse practitioners must first become licensed RNs before earning an MSN or DNP nurse practitioner degree with a specialization in pediatrics. They must hold an active and unencumbered RN license and pass a national certification examination.
How Much You Can Make:
Nurse practitioners earned average salaries of $107,030 in 2018 but those at the top of their field earned in excess of $182,750 during the same time period.
Immunologist
These highly trained individuals spend their days conducting studies to better understand how diseases multiply and spread, which cells must be isolated to create an effective antibody, and how to safely produce these substances en masse. Some may work in areas of contagious diseases while others spend their days researching illnesses such as cancer.
Where You’ll Work:
Immunologists typically work in clinical, educational, or research positions at hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, state or federal government branches, or at universities.
What It Takes to Get There:
Clinical immunologists must complete medical school and a residency in areas of internal medicine, pediatrics, or a related topic. They must also seek board certification and maintain licensure in their state of practice. Non-clinical immunologists typically hold at Ph.D. in biomedical science or a similar field.
How Much You Can Make:
According to Payscale.com, average salaries as of October 2019 sit at $92,500 but can go as high as $179,000.
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians enjoy diversified careers working in both public and private sectors. They often spend their days developing and implementing studies designed to propel medical research forward and increase knowledge of public health topics. They frequently work with other medical/healthcare experts to improve research outcomes.
Where You’ll Work:
Biostatisticians often work for pharmaceutical companies, labs, hospitals, governments, or academic institutions.
What It Takes to Get There:
Some entry-level positions may accept a bachelor’s degree, but the vast majority desire a master’s or doctorate. These positions typically do not require licensure.
How Much You Can Make:
The median salary for statisticians in 2018 was $87,780 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but the top 10% of earners brought home $139,350 or more per year.
Public Health Analyst
Public health analysts focus on ensuring effective programming in clinic, hospitals, and other care facilities. They analyze the results of immunization drives, awareness-building programs, and other initiatives to ensure these types of services are adequately used by the public.
Where You’ll Work:
Public health analysts work for governmental and private companies alike, providing research services, analyzing public health data, and writing reports about their findings. They may also work in hospitals or other patient care settings.
What It Takes to Get There:
These professionals typically hold a bachelor’s degree in public health or a B.S. in health management, with specific classes geared towards statistics, data management, and computer science.
How Much You Can Make:
Public health analysts earning average salaries brought home $61,404 annually as of January 2020 according to PayScale. Those in the top tenth percentile of workers can earn as much as $96,000.
Public Health Lobbyist
Lobbyists in the public health and pro-vaccine arena work to ensure the goals and interests of their clients, be they public or private, are adequately understood in and made aware to legislative decision-makers. They educate legislators on new vaccination initiatives, provide informational materials, and lobby for new legislation and laws aligned to their clients’ interests.
Where You’ll Work:
Public health lobbyists are hired as consultants or in-house employees by drug companies, public health organizations, insurance groups, and other public health specialty organizations interested in educating the government and giving voice to stakeholder concerns.
What It Takes to Get There:
Lobbyists are not required to possess any specific educational credentials, but most hold at least a bachelor’s degree in political science, communications, or a related topic. Those looking to become public health lobbyists can benefit from earning a bachelor’s degree in public health or a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. Lobbyists are also required to be registered in their state.
How Much You Can Make:
Average salaries for lobbyists in January 2020 stood at $72,410 but those in the top echelons can earn $138,000 or more each year.
Pathologist Assistant
Pathology assistants with a passion for increasing vaccination rates typically work under the supervision of a pathologist to process cell cultures, perform postmortems, and execute other procedures as instructed.
Where You’ll Work:
These professionals predominately work in community hospitals, pathology laboratories, medical schools, and universities, but can also find work at organizations focused on forensic pathology.
What It Takes to Get There:
Pathology assistants in training must attend a program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and seek certification via the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants.
How Much You Can Make:
Average annual salaries totaled $83,608 in January 2020 according to PayScale, but those in the top 10% of earners commanded salaries in excess of $103,000.
Public Health Informatics Specialist
As with other sectors, healthcare and public health have embraced big data and information technology. Informatics professionals look for ways of improving patient care and outcomes by using patient information and histories to discover patterns and identify areas where improvements can be made.
Where You’ll Work:
Public health informatics specialists can find employment in hospitals, physician offices, community clinics, consulting firms, research laboratories, colleges and universities, and government agencies.
What It Takes to Get There:
Entry-level positions mandate a bachelor’s degree while mid- and senior-level positions often look for candidates with a master’s degree. Learn more about health informatics degrees you can earn online.
How Much You Can Make:
Payscale.com reports average salaries of $63,339 as of January 2020. The top 10% of earners received in excess of $96,000 annually.
Fundraising Manager
While government agencies and for-profit corporations need not worry about funding, nonprofit organizations must raise money to further their missions. Fundraising managers for nonprofits focused on immunizations highlight the important work done by their organizations and encourage donors to support ongoing projects via donations.
Where You’ll Work:
Fundraising managers work in a large variety of civic, professional, educational, and scientific organizations. Many function as nonprofits and must raise funding through grants, public and private donors, and events.
What It Takes to Get There:
Most fundraising managers possess a bachelor’s in public relations, nonprofit management, or communications.
How Much You Can Make:
$114,800 per year is the average wage, with those in the top 10% of earners bringing home in excess of $208,000 annually.
Where to Find Pro-Vaccine Employers
If working for an employer whose core tenets support the promotion and advancement of immunizations, look no further than the federal agencies, nonprofits, and private corporations highlighted below.
U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC)
The CDC serves as an impartial and science-backed government agency that does much to conduct and publicize research, dispel factual inaccuracies, and educate citizens on vaccination and immunization news. Positions exist for researchers, health educators, data analysts, and immunologists, amongst others.
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO operates as an international education and advocacy group on myriad health issues, including the importance of vaccinations. The group organizes the World Immunization Week and develops the Global Vaccine Action Plan, among other activities. It also provides a wide range of internships and job opportunities.
In addition to providing access to vaccinations the world over, the American Red Cross created the Measles & Rubella Initiative and works to educate populations on the benefits of vaccinations. Jobs include positions as biostatisticians, vaccine researchers, public health informatics specialists, and more.
Merck currently provides eight vaccines which cover diseases such as MMR, human papillomavirus, Ebola Zaire, and Hepatitis B, among others. Plenty of research and development positions exist, as do roles concerned with public health informatics, immunology, and lobbying.
Another pharmaceutical corporation, Pfizer manufactures several vaccines and is currently focusing its R&D efforts on vaccines for pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases. The group emphasizes providing global impact by offering immunizations to developing countries the world over.
The United Nations Children’s Fund works in more than 190 countries to support children and adolescents through a variety of programs, including inoculations. The group is currently working to eradicate polio and develop immunization programs in more than 150 countries. Both domestic and global roles are available.
Operating as an international medical humanitarian organization, Doctors Without Borders seeks to help those who are most in need. DWB provides emergency response during outbreaks, introduces new vaccines to impoverished populations, books basic preventive vaccine programs, and works to prevent outbreaks across the lifespan.
The Center for Vaccine Awareness and Research serves as a resource for specialists, immunologists, practitioners, and researchers by providing an expanded set of information about the benefits of immunization. Individuals working at this center possess skills in vaccine research, infectious diseases, pediatrics, and adolescent medicine.
International Vaccine Access Center
Operating out of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, IVAC works to accelerate access to life-saving vaccines across the globe while also providing valuable research on efficacy. The group currently works in 38 countries and seeks immunization professionals across the spectrum who want to work in domestic and global posts.
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
The NFID focuses on three areas: infectious diseases, immunization, and antibiotic resistance. Users can find valuable insight and research, information on the rise of measles and pneumococcal diseases, reports, and other services.
7 Simple Ways to Advocate for Vaccinations in Your Community and Beyond
If you want to advocate for vaccinations but don’t have a ton of time, there are still plenty of ways to pitch in and make a difference. Here are 10 ideas to get you started.
1
Join the discussion and make your voice heard on social media.
Whether that means posting a selfie after getting your annual flu shot or sharing easy-to-digest graphs about the effectiveness of vaccinations, use your online presence to bring awareness to the importance (and ease!) of keeping up with your immunization schedule.
2
Contact your legislators.
3
Speak to other parents about the benefits of immunizations.
4
Hold an immunization information session at their daycare/school.
5
Donate/raise money for an organization working to increase vaccination rates.
6
Become a Shot@Life Champion.
7
Arrange an event for National Immunization Awareness Month.
Additional Pro-Vaccine Resources
Many resources exist to help spread the word about the importance of vaccines, educate skeptics, and stay up-to-date on industry news.
- Talking to Parents About Vaccines
Use this resource to learn more about how to help vaccine-hesitate parents understand the importance of immunizations. - How to Respond to Vocal Vaccine Deniers in Public
WHO provides this best practice guide on how to successfully engage vaccine deniers in beneficial ways. - How Do Vaccines Help Babies Fight Infections?
The CDC shares several helpful videos on YouTube explaining the value of vaccinations for babies and children. - 10 Facts on Immunization
The World Health Organization provides 10 quick facts with graphics to underscore the global crisis related to lack of vaccinations. - Common Questions About Immunizations
KidsHealth answers some of the most frequently asked questions about inoculations in this helpful article. - Immunization Action Coalition
The IAC offers a wealth of free resources to educate yourself and others. - Immunologist Interviews
Immunopaedia provides monthly interviews with immunologists to give you a glimpse into what this fascinating career entails. - Understanding How Vaccines Work
Even if you’re pro-vaccine, you may still wonder exactly how they protect against diseases. The CDC provides easy-to-understand answers. - Immunization Memes and Resources to Share
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides a library of helpful graphs and memes to use when sharing information about vaccines online.
