5 messages that could sway vaccine-hesitant Americans, 3 that could backfire

As healthcare communication professionals continue to reach the millions of Americans who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19, it’s important they avoid fear-based messaging, according to research conducted by data science consulting firm Civis.

Advertisement

Civis tested eight messaging themes in a trial involving  5,110 unvaccinated adults across the U.S. from Aug. 19 to Sept. 8. Below are eight of the trial’s findings:

  1. Describing the rise in COVID-19 cases among children and emphasizing that adults’ vaccinations help protect children was the most effective strategy. This messaging theme increased participants’ reported likelihood of getting vaccinated by 6 percentage points on average.
  2. Communicating that a severe COVID-19 case can be expensive and that vaccination can help avoid financial burdens was the second-most effective strategy. This messaging theme increased participants’ reported likelihood of getting vaccinated by 5 percentage points on average.
  3. Emphasizing the opportunities and activities from which unvaccinated people could be excluded, such as concerts and international travel, was a marginally persuasive strategy. This messaging theme increased participants’ reported likelihood of getting vaccinated by 3 percentage points on average.
  4. Emphasizing that it’s normal to have questions about COVID-19 vaccines and highlighting that vaccination is a personal choice increased participants’ reported likelihood of getting vaccinated by 1 percentage point on average.
  5. Communicating that vaccines are an example of American ingenuity and getting vaccinated is an act of patriotism increased participants’ reported likelihood of getting vaccinated by 1 percentage point on average.
  6. Highlighting COVID-19 vaccine safety by describing the rigorous testing and FDA review processes decreased participants’ reported likelihood of getting vaccinated by 2 percentage points on average.
  7. Sharing statistics on the dangers of COVID-19, particularly about the increased contagiousness of the delta variant and potential to cause more severe illness, decreased participants’ reported likelihood of getting vaccinated by 3 percentage points on average.
  8. Showing participants an Alabama physician describing unvaccinated patients under her care dying of COVID-19 and begging to be vaccinated was the messaging theme that backfired the most. It decreased their reported likelihood of getting vaccinated by 4 percentage points on average. 

Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit

Advertisement

Next Up in Digital Marketing

Advertisement

Comments are closed.