Public Health Grand Rounds hosted by Dr. Dora Anne Mills with guest David A. Higgins, MD

Communication Strategies for Vaccine-Hesitant Communities

Today we welcome Dr. David A. Higgins as he outlines why vaccine-preventable diseases like measles are resurging, and how recent federal policy shifts and a low-trust environment have increased confusion. Despite the confusion, most people remain open to vaccination.

He offers practical, evidence-based communication strategies for clinicians and community leaders—clear recommendations, empathetic motivational interviewing, faith-community engagement, pre-bunking misinformation, and community-level messaging—plus resources to support local vaccine confidence efforts.

David A. Higgins, MD is a double board-certified pediatrician and preventive medicine specialist. He is an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 

MaineHealth Public Health Grand Rounds: Join us for engaging discussions on today’s evolving public health landscape. Hosted by Dr. Dora Anne Mills, MaineHealth brings together national and local experts to explore critical public health issues impacting Maine and communities across the country.