IFM | AAFP x Unbiased Science: Behind Every Vaccine Question Is a Person

Vaccine conversations have changed. Patients are asking new questions, trust is harder to earn, and clinicians are navigating increasingly complex discussions in limited time. In this episode of Inside Family Medicine, host Rebecca Fuller Beeler, PhD, vice president of Integrated Marketing Communications at AAFP is joined by public health scientist and founder of Unbiased Science Jess Steier, DrPH. Together, they discuss why facts alone are often not enough, how empathy and listening can strengthen vaccine conversations, and what physicians can do to support patients before, during, and after clinical visits. Drawing on thousands of conversations with people seeking credible health information, Steier shares insights into the concerns, emotions, and information ecosystems that shape patients’ decisions. The conversation offers practical strategies for building trust, addressing uncertainty, and helping patients make informed decisions—while reminding clinicians that even small conversations can plant seeds that matter. Whether discussing vaccines or any health topic where trust and clarity are essential, this episode highlights the power of meeting people where they are. Steier emphasizes practical communication strategies such as listening first, understanding a patient's perspective, sharing personal experiences, leveraging the entire care team and extending education beyond the exam room. Listen in to this conversation that highlights the critical role family physicians continue to play as trusted sources of health information and offer encouragement for clinicians working to foster informed, compassionate conversations in an era of misinformation. Topics by Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome and introduction 02:00 - Jess Steier's path to science communication 03:00 - Building trust through evidence and empathy 04:00 - Why public health needs better communication 06:30 - The vaccine questions people are asking 09:00 - What concerns are really beneath the questions? 10:00 - How vaccine conversations have changed 12:00 - Leading with empathy in clinical conversations 15:30 - Using personal stories and trusted relationships 17:00 - Supporting patients beyond the exam room 20:00 - Encouragement for clinicians 21:00 - Reasons for optimism in science communication 23:00 Closing thoughts and resources Resources Resources for Family Physicians and Their Care Teams Immunizations And Vaccines For Family Physicians | AAFP https://www.aafp.org/clinical-insights/immunizations-and-vaccines Immunization And Vaccine Schedules And Resources | AAFP https://www.aafp.org/clinical-insights/immunizations-and-vaccines/immunizations-schedules-resources#conversation-guides Tips for talking to your patients about vaccines | AAFP https://www.aafp.org/about/blog/patient-vaccine-discussion IFM | Strengthening Vaccine Confidence and Adult Immunization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3AS383kZ34 Building Trust with Patients and Communities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qu8N0GBsMk Resources for Patients Immunizations | Family Doctor https://familydoctor.org/immunizations/ Which Vaccinations Do I Really Need? | Family Doctor https://familydoctor.org/which-vaccinations-do-i-really-need/ What I tell my patients about measles | Family Doctor https://familydoctor.org/what-i-tell-my-patients-about-measles/ Why it’s important to vaccinate your infant for hepatitis B | Family Doctor https://familydoctor.org/why-its-important-to-vaccinate-your-infant-for-hepatitis-b/ Unbiased Science Bringing Health & Science Data to Life — Unbiased Science https://www.unbiasedscience.com/ Substack: https://theunbiasedscipod.substack.com/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JMSODgbC5auqScduzYVZn