Advanced Certificate in Vaccine Confidence for Social Workers
Published on June 27, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to have Dr. Jane Smith with us, an expert in public health and the course coordinator for the Advanced Certificate in Vaccine Confidence for Social Workers. Dr. Smith, can you tell us about this certificate program? GUEST: Absolutely, the Advanced Certificate in Vaccine Confidence for Social Workers is designed to empower social workers and public health professionals to address vaccine hesitancy effectively and promote vaccination uptake in their communities. HOST: That sounds fascinating. What inspired you to create this course, and how does it impact the current public health landscape? GUEST: Vaccine hesitancy is a growing concern, and social workers play a crucial role in addressing it. This course bridges the gap between healthcare providers and the communities they serve by equipping social workers with evidence-based communication strategies and cultural competency skills. HOST: Can you share any personal experiences or insights related to vaccine confidence that influenced the course content? GUEST: Of course. I've seen firsthand how vaccine hesitancy can affect entire communities, especially those that are already marginalized. By understanding the science of vaccines and the psychological factors influencing vaccine decisions, social workers can build trust and help overcome barriers to vaccination. HOST: That's a great point. What challenges have you encountered while developing or teaching this course, and how have you addressed them? GUEST: One challenge is keeping up with the evolving science and public perception of vaccines. To address this, we regularly update the course content and invite guest speakers who are experts in the field to share their insights. HOST: In your opinion, what does the future hold for vaccine confidence and social work? How might this certificate program contribute to that future? GUEST: I believe that social workers with a deep understanding of vaccine confidence will play an increasingly important role in promoting public health. Our certificate program aims to equip these professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to be champions for vaccine confidence in their communities. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you for joining us today and sharing your valuable insights about the Advanced Certificate in Vaccine Confidence for Social Workers. We're confident that this course will make a significant impact on public health. GUEST: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure discussing the course and its potential impact on vaccine confidence and public health.
