Patients on the Vaccine Fence? Framing Vaccination as a Social Norm Can Help, Says Expert

With the fourth year of the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, COVID-19 may not be top of mind for patients anymore. Across the country, individuals are travelling again, seeing friends and family, and trying to resume a "normal" pace of life. "As I like to say, that's absolutely wonderful, but please do it carefully, rather than in a carefree fashion," said William Schaffner, MD, in an interview with Patient Care Online. Taking advantage of the available vaccines and dusting off the old face mask, especially persons who are at risk for severe disease, are still important Schaffner added. To encourage prevention this respiratory virus season, influencing how patients feel about it is crucial, according to Schaffner.

Below, Dr Schaffner discusses in more detail.

William Schaffner, MD, is medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, professor of preventive medicine in the Department of Health Policy and professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, TN.

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