Motivational Interviewing Strategies for Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy

SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, vaccination hesitancy, defined as the delay in acceptance or refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine, presents a major health threat in the midst of the current pandemic. Traditional approaches for addressing vaccine hesitancy in health care have been largely ineffective and, in some instances, have actually increased vaccine hesitancy. Thus, there is an urgent need for approaches that effectively address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, especially in health care settings. The current editorial highlights the need for and importance of motivational interviewing (MI), which emphasizes collaborative communication between providers and patients, in addressing vaccine hesitancy. We describe a three-step process for addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy which includes using a guiding style, evoking using the MI toolbox, and responding mindfully and skillfully to the individual’s degree of hesitancy. Each step is accompanied by case examples. The discussion concludes with a consideration of possible challenges in implementing these steps when addressing and resolving COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.