Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: The Role of Medical Students

We conducted a survey study at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to assess COVID-19 vaccine attitudes and behaviors among medical students. Almost all respondents (96.5%, n = 222) believed vaccines were effective and reported being asked about the COVID-19 vaccine by family members (79.0%, n = 180). However, when asked how they respond when someone shares misinformation, 89.0% ( n = 202) responded they agree to avoid conflict, 44.9% ( n = 102) listened empathically, and 9.3% ( n = 21) corrected the misinformation. Medical school education can address this disconnect, using standardized patients and role-playing to give students the tools to address vaccine hesitancy within their communities.