Maria Huang, MD, FAAP
WCAAP Vaccine Committee Co-Chair
A Note of Encouragement for Pediatricians Navigating Vaccine Hesitancy
To my fellow pediatricians:
Every day, we sit across from families who are uncertain, anxious, or resistant — and every day, we show up with patience and evidence. Keep showing up. Acknowledge their concerns without judgment, ask permission to share information, and focus on the shared goal of keeping their child safe.
Not every conversation ends in a “yes,” and that’s okay. Trust matters more than a single visit. We are not failing when a family hesitates; we are succeeding every time we return to the conversation at the next visit. This work is exhausting and often thankless, but it matters profoundly and science will prevail! Know that your daily efforts are making a difference and protecting children, families, and entire communities.
And to recognize that work, the Immunize WA Awards are now open. These awards honor clinics achieving immunization goals for children and adolescents.
– Providers must self-nominate
– Nominations: June 1 – July 15, 2026
– Winners announced: August 25, 2026 (National Immunization Awareness Month)
Here is a one-page guide to running IIS reports to help with submission.
Additional resources (free CME available):
Vaccine Education Modules (self-paced)
https://www.ndsu.edu/centers/immunize/vaccine-education-modules
Free webinar — July 16, 2026 at 10 AM
“What’s in Vaccines? The Purpose, Safety, and Science Behind Their Ingredients”
https://ndsu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lAh633PHRs2oyNywtm9b8A#/registration