For US Healthcare Professionals
For US HCPs
You are about to leave a GSK website
You are about to leave a GSK website. By clicking this link, you will be taken to a website that is independent from GSK. The site you are linking to is not controlled or endorsed by GSK and GSK is not responsible for its content.
Specialists can play a critical role in building vaccine confidence and helping patients make informed vaccination decisions
Vaccine hesitancy among patients who are at higher risk of complications from vaccine-preventable diseases is a pressing situation. Specialists are aware of the risks and benefits, but even when made aware, patients are still hesitant. Misinformation, personal beliefs around vaccines, and fear of side effects can all play into their choice not to get vaccinated.1
But when comorbidities are at play, as a specialist, you know that cutting through the noise to help protect patients from vaccine-preventable diseases is key to protecting their health as a whole.
Specialists are not just specialists anymore
Specialists are an important part of patient care as a whole, not just within their individual specialty. And that includes discussing vaccine-preventable diseases with patients.
The Specialist’s Role
Watch a panel of your peers discuss the vital role specialists play in the vaccination conversation, the importance of prevention for their patients, and how their work complements the work of patients’ primary care providers.
Your conversations are more pivotal than you may realize
50% of Medicare patients see specialists as their predominant provider.2
Patients visiting a specialist may not see a primary care physician for other types of preventive care, including vaccination. That means you may be the only doctor your patients see this year.
You serve as one of the most frequent touchpoints for your patients
Vaccination rates increase as the number of physician visits increases. Vaccination rates were significantly higher in patients with ≥1 physician contacts in the last year than those without, based on a 2018 National Health Interview Survey.3
As a frequent touchpoint, you are in a unique position to be the trusted voice that urges patients to get vaccinated.
Preventive care is essential for your patients
Watch a discussion on the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases for your patients.
Risks of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Our panel digs deeper into the conversations they’re having with patients who may not understand the connection between their present health and the complications that could arise if they don't take preventive measures.
As a specialist, you know comorbidities are particularly important to consider.
Discussing the Impact of Respiratory Diseases
Hear from a cardiologist and pulmonologist, as well as 2 patients with firsthand experience.
You provide more than just knowledge—you provide empathy
“I usually start with an open-ended question to kind of gauge where are they in vaccine literacy—what are their emotions and feelings towards it? I'm also having to really show that I am recommending this as I would for myself and all of my loved ones.”
— Dr Kuria, Cardiologist
“I make it very clear in my clinic that, ‘We are doing this for you and I'm only giving suggestions and recommendations. It is your body. You have to choose, but I am here to help you choose.’”
— Dr Gupta, Pulmonologist and Clinical Care Physician
“The best way to use our voice is to let the patient have their voice. Feeling like they don't have to defend their decisions, but giving them the space to explain their rationale.”
— Dr Dodell, Endocrinologist
Help make every vaccination conversation impactful with our patient conversation guide
References
Brumbaugh KQ, Gellert F, Mokdad AH. Understanding vaccine hesitancy: insights and improvement strategies drawn from a multi-study review. Vaccines (Basel). 2025;13(10):1003.
Romaire MA. Use of primary care and specialty providers: findings from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. J Gen Intern Med. 2020;35(7):2003-2009.
Lu PJ, Hung MC, Srivastav A, et al. Surveillance of vaccination coverage among adult populations -United States, 2018. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2021;70(3):1-26.
This work contains material generated by artificial intelligence.