The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed millions of lives and disrupted the economy and daily life across the globe. The end of the pandemic depends on the development of effective vaccines and treatments, and also on people consistently engaging in prevention behaviors. These include mask wearing, social distancing, and hand washing. The full benefit of COVID-19 vaccines can only be achieved if most people are getting vaccinated. In order to increase the public’s trust and confidence in the vaccines, we need clear and effective communication efforts from public health professionals. At a time when social divisions are intense, communication channels and messengers are often varied and separate. Misinformation about any topics—including the pandemic and the vaccine—can spread like wildfire. In this environment, clear and consistent communication with the public is critical. Insights from the social and behavioral sciences about how people understand and use health information—and what sources they trust—can help health communicators develop and deliver messages in ways that are most likely to build trust and confidence in vaccines.
