Global Certificate Course in Vaccine Literacy for School Counselors
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, where we engage in conversations with experts about impactful courses that shape the future of education. I'm thrilled to have Dr. Smith with us today, an expert in public health and the designer of the Global Certificate Course in Vaccine Literacy for School Counselors. Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to create this course? GUEST: Absolutely! As a public health professional, I've seen the consequences of vaccine hesitancy firsthand. I wanted to create a course to empower school counselors with the knowledge and skills to address common misconceptions and build confidence in vaccines within their school communities. HOST: That's truly commendable. Vaccine literacy is a critical topic, especially with the rise of misinformation surrounding vaccines. In your experience, what are some of the most common misconceptions about vaccines that school counselors might encounter? GUEST: There are quite a few, but some of the most persistent ones include the belief that vaccines cause autism, that they're not necessary because diseases are rare, or that natural immunity is better than immunity gained through vaccination. HOST: Those are indeed widespread myths. Now, the course not only covers vaccine safety and efficacy but also equips school counselors with communication skills. Can you share why these skills are essential for addressing vaccine hesitancy? GUEST: Of course. Communication is key when it comes to addressing vaccine hesitancy. School counselors need to be able to explain complex scientific concepts in a way that's easy for parents and students to understand. They also need to be prepared to address concerns and answer questions in a respectful and empathetic manner. HOST: That makes a lot of sense. Lastly, how do you see the role of school counselors in promoting vaccine literacy evolving in the future, especially considering the ever-changing landscape of public health? GUEST: I believe school counselors will play an increasingly important role in promoting vaccine literacy, as they're often seen as trusted resources within their communities. As new vaccines are developed and new challenges arise, it's crucial that school counselors stay up-to-date on the latest information and continue to be advocates for evidence-based decision-making. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you for your insightful responses and for the work you've done in creating this course. Your expertise and passion for promoting vaccine literacy are truly inspiring. We're confident that this course will empower school counselors to make a difference in their communities. GUEST: Thank you for having me. I'm excited to see the impact this course will have on school counselors and their communities, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important cause.
