As a Traditional Health Worker, you are a trusted voice in your community.
Every day, you help people navigate their health choices—but when it comes to vaccines, conversations can be challenging. Misinformation spreads quickly, and vaccine hesitancy is on the rise.
This course gives you the knowledge, confidence, and communication tools to engage in meaningful, fact-based discussions about vaccines.
By learning how to address common concerns with clarity and cultural sensitivity, you’ll empower individuals to make informed decisions that protect their health and the well-being of those around them.
Why This Course Matters
The ability to talk openly and confidently about vaccines is more important than ever.
With the right approach, you can break down barriers, build trust, and inspire informed health choices.
This course will help you strengthen your ability to:
Navigate tough vaccine conversations with confidence.
Recognize and address misinformation in a way that resonates.
Use motivational communication to engage and educate without pressure.
Develop messages that connect across cultural and personal differences.
The skills you gain will not only help your clients and peers but also enhance your own professional growth as a respected health advocate in your community.
Course Overview
Over the course of just two hours, you’ll explore the history and impact of vaccines, understand common concerns, and learn practical strategies to respond effectively. You’ll also develop a personalized approach to addressing vaccine hesitancy, tailored to the communities you serve.
In essence, this course will help your community make informed health decisions.
This course covers:
The role of vaccines in public health and disease prevention.
The most common questions and concerns people have about immunizations.
How to recognize and combat misinformation with confidence.
Effective strategies for motivational and culturally competent communication.
How to navigate vaccine recommendations and schedules.
How It Works
This self-paced, online course allows you to learn at your convenience. With just a two-hour time commitment, you’ll gain valuable tools that can immediately improve your conversations with clients, peers, and community members.
🎓 CEUs: Earn 2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) (Oregon Health Authority certified) 📝 Completion Requirement: Pass three short quizzes (80% or higher)
Who Should Enroll?
This course is designed for Community Health Workers and other Oregon-certified Traditional Health Workers who are looking to:
Earn CEUs to maintain certification.
Strengthen their ability to communicate about vaccines with confidence.
Expand their role as a trusted source of health information.
Help their communities make informed health choices.
Katie Ahern, MS, Senior Instructor II, School of Nutrition and Public Health, College of Health, Oregon State University has worked as an Extension educator in Dechutes County Extension Family and Community Health program since 2011. katherine.ahern@oregonstate.edu
Deborah John
Deborah John, PhD, MS, Professor and Family and Community Health Program Extension Specialist, School of Exercise, Sport, and Health Sciences, College of Health, Oregon State University; Deborah.John@oregonstate.edu
Robin Maille
Robin Maille, MA-Ed, Associate Professor of Practice, School of Nutrition and Public Health, College of Health, Oregon State University has worked as an Extension educator in Union and Baker County Extension Family and Community Health program since 2009. robin.maille@oregonstate.edu
Roberta Riportella
Roberta Riportella, PhD, Professor and Family and Community Health Program Extension Specialist, School of Nutrition and Public Health, College of Health, Oregon State University; riporter@oregonstate.edu
Past Students' Work
Take a look at some recent projects our students have created.
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