Motivational Interviewing Strategies for Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, vaccination hesitancy, defined as a behavioral phenomenon whereby individuals neither fully accept nor fully reject COVID-19 vaccination, presents a major health threat in the midst of the current pandemic. Traditional approaches for addressing vaccine hesitancy in health care lack empirical support and, in some instances, have actually increased vaccine hesitancy. Thus, there is an urgent need for approaches that effectively address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, especially in health care settings. The current manuscript highlights the need for and importance of motivational interviewing (MI), which emphasizes collaborative communication between physicians and patients, in addressing vaccine hesitancy. We describe a three-step process for addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy which includes using a guiding style, using the MI toolbox, and responding mindfully and skillfully to the individual’s degree of hesitancy. The discussion concludes with a consideration of possible challenges in implementing these steps when addressing and resolving COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy

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