Vaccine Communication in Denver Pediatric Clinics
Researchers found that medical assistants discussed vaccines in over half of patient encounters during the 2024 study.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Children’s Health
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During pediatric visits in Denver in summer and fall 2024, researchers observed medical assistants discussing vaccines in 51 percent of patient encounters. The findings highlight current communication practices among support staff as families manage routine health care.
Why it matters
Understanding how clinic staff communicate about vaccines is important for pediatric care, as these interactions help shape how families receive information. The study reveals that support staff currently rely on informal methods during these health check-ins.
In an observational study of 127 medical assistant encounters and 47 receptionist interactions at two Denver pediatric practices, researchers found that medical assistants discussed vaccines in 51 percent of visits. The clinical impact of these informal, self-taught communication styles remains under investigation.
The players
Pediatrics
A peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes research on the health and care of children.
The details
Researchers tracked interactions between office staff and families to evaluate how vaccine information is shared in a clinical setting. The study showed that staff members largely utilize self-taught or informal communication protocols during these touchpoints. These observations provide insight into the variation in staff roles within pediatric clinics, specifically regarding how support staff handle vaccine-related queries compared to receptionists.
Timeline
Researchers conducted observations during the summer and fall of 2024.
The study was published in the journal Pediatrics in October 2026.
Health Landscape
This research adds to the American Academy of Pediatrics' immunization communication research initiatives by examining the role of support staff. It reflects an evolving focus on how the entire clinic team, rather than just physicians, can support informed care decisions.
Families visiting local clinics should feel empowered to ask any staff member questions about vaccine schedules or common concerns during their check-in process. These interactions are a standard part of pediatric visits, and discussing your preferences with your doctor remains the best way to ensure clear communication.
The takeaway
Staff communication styles in clinics vary, and families play a key role in steering these conversations to get the information they need. If you have questions about your child's immunization schedule, prepare your list in advance to discuss them with your pediatrician during your next visit.
Further reading
For more information on navigating pediatric care and immunizations, explore Children’s Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Umn.
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