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Companion Animal Vaccine Hesitancy: Current Evidence and Practical Communication Strategies
Ashley N Hartley1, Zenithson Ng1, Claire E Ludwig2
1Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN, USA.
Summary
Vaccine hesitancy in pets mirrors human trends, driven by owner concerns. Veterinarians are key to improving vaccine acceptance through effective communication strategies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Vaccine hesitancy is a growing concern in companion animal medicine.
- This phenomenon parallels trends observed in human healthcare, impacting preventive care decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emergence and factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy in companion animals.
- To explore parallels with human vaccine hesitancy and identify effective communication strategies for veterinarians.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Data on companion animal vaccination trends, owner attitudes, and veterinary perceptions were analyzed.
- Communication strategies like motivational interviewing and presumptive recommendations were examined.
Main Results:
- Key factors influencing pet owner vaccination decisions include safety concerns, perceived necessity, cost, overvaccination fears, and misinformation.
- Veterinarians are identified as the most trusted source of vaccine information.
- Specific communication strategies show potential for improving vaccine acceptance.
Conclusions:
- Addressing vaccine hesitancy in companion animals requires understanding owner concerns and leveraging veterinary expertise.
- Enhanced communication strategies are crucial for strengthening vaccine confidence and preventive healthcare delivery in veterinary practice.
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Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
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Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
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As a result of their tendency to use...