%0 Book %A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine %T Strategies for Building Confidence in the COVID-19 Vaccines %D 2021 %U https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/26068/strategies-for-building-confidence-in-the-covid-19-vaccines %> https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/26068/strategies-for-building-confidence-in-the-covid-19-vaccines %I The National Academies Press %C Washington, DC %G English %K Health and Medicine %P 21 %R doi:10.17226/26068 %X Ensuring strong demand for and promoting acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccines is critical to achieving herd immunity, protecting the most vulnerable populations, and reopening social and economic life. People who are hesitant, reluctant, distrusting, or otherwise not motivated with respect to being vaccinated need resources, information, and support for making the vaccination decision that is right for them. Public engagement and effective communication through clear, transparent messaging will play a central role in building confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines. This rapid expert consultation describes a variety of public engagement and communication strategies that can be implemented at the national, state, and local levels to change patterns of interaction with the public, address hesitancy about the vaccines, and build trust. This rapid expert consultation was produced through the Societal Experts Action Network (SEAN), an activity of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that is sponsored by the National Science Foundation. SEAN links researchers in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences with decision makers to respond to policy questions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This project is affiliated with the National Academies' Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases and 21st Century Health Threats.