Denver, Colorado — During what has been a particularly challenging flu season, some parents in Denver received surprising assistance in making vaccination decisions for their children. The initiative sent text messages featuring videos that shared personal stories from their community, highlighting why families chose to vaccinate against the flu. However, this effort faced an abrupt end when the Trump administration halted the research before any data could be collected, leaving many feeling unheard.
Chantyl Busby, a Denver mother and community adviser for the project, expressed her disappointment, emphasizing the lack of representation for marginalized voices. “For someone like me, from the Black community with limited income, our opinions often go ignored,” Busby said. “This cancellation sends a terrible message that we don’t matter.”
The urgency surrounding vaccine discussions has intensified as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported at least 216 pediatric deaths from the flu this season—the highest toll in 15 years. The situation is compounded by surging outbreaks of measles and whooping cough among unvaccinated children, highlighting the critical need for effective communication about vaccines.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent statements questioning vaccines add to the uncertainty surrounding public health measures. Additionally, significant cuts to funding for medical research and public health initiatives further complicate the landscape for vaccine education, especially as some studies designed to address vaccine hesitancy have been abruptly discontinued.
Dr. Joshua Williams, a pediatrician at Denver Health, actively engages in vaccine discussions with parents who often express confusion or concern. He reassures them that refusing immunizations will not lead to expulsion from his practice, emphasizing the importance of building trust over time. He finds the most fulfilling conversations occur when families with long-standing doubts gradually place their trust in him through ongoing care.
Wondering how to leverage modern communication tools, Williams explored digital storytelling as a potential way to encourage vaccination. He focused on flu vaccines as a pilot project, given that less than half of U.S. children received one during the season. Notably, Black children are at a higher risk for severe illness from influenza.
With funding from the National Institutes of Health, Williams teamed up with the Center for African American Health in Denver to create engaging workshops. These sessions brought together community volunteers to share their personal experiences with influenza and vaccination, producing short, polished videos aimed at fostering a sense of connection and trust.
The pilot study aimed to reach 200 families who receive care at two Denver Health clinics. One video featured a mother recounting her first flu vaccination alongside her daughter, a moment of empowerment following a difficult relationship. Another shared a grandmother’s vow to never miss a vaccine appointment again after her grandson was hospitalized with the flu on his fourth birthday.
Busby noted the power of seeing individuals from similar backgrounds share their vaccine journeys, saying, “When you see people who look like you and have been through what you have, it really resonates.” This personal touch may help convey the importance of vaccination to hesitant families.
The sudden cancellation of the project means Williams cannot analyze whether these video testimonials impacted vaccine decisions, resulting in the loss of valuable data and resources. He is now seeking permission from community members to use some of the videos in his practice to promote discussions about vaccination.
Williams often shares his own experiences, including the vaccination status of his children and anecdotes about his grandmother’s fears growing up during the polio epidemic. He lamented the fading collective memory of the dangers posed by infectious diseases and expressed concern about the ramifications for public health.
As ongoing outbreaks pose challenges, Williams stresses the need for a united community voice to advocate for vaccine awareness and prevention research. Only by mobilizing together can communities effectively push for the resources necessary to combat vaccine hesitancy and ensure better health outcomes for future generations.