Vaccine Confidence Under Fire: Dr. Paul Offit, Charlotte Moser, and the Fight Against Misinformation

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, hosts Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal welcome two of the most respected voices in vaccine education and public health: Dr. Paul Offit, Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Charlotte Moser, Co-Director, Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Together, they examine the rapidly changing vaccine landscape in the United States, including the impact of recent policy changes, the dismissal and restructuring of the ACIP committee, rising measles cases, and growing challenges around public trust in vaccines. The discussion explores how misinformation campaigns have evolved, why healthcare professionals remain essential sources of trusted information, and what pharmacists can do when faced with vaccine questions and hesitancy in everyday practice. Dr. Offit and Charlotte Moser also share practical communication strategies for frontline healthcare providers, discuss the importance of empathy when addressing concerns, and offer perspectives on the future of vaccine science and public health. For pharmacists, immunizers, and healthcare professionals navigating an increasingly complex information environment, this episode delivers timely insights and practical advice from two global leaders in vaccine education. We are grateful to Immunize.io Health Association (www.immunize.io) for their support of this educational program and their commitment to advancing immunization awareness, education, and access. Since 2018, Immunize.io has worked to improve vaccination rates through community outreach, healthcare professional education, workplace and community immunization programs, and initiatives that address vaccine confidence and accessibility. Their efforts help strengthen public health both locally and globally by supporting evidence-based immunization practices and expanding protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.