Event Recap: How Public Health Professionals Can Address Vaccine Hesitancy in the South Asian Community - 10/7/2025

November 28, 2025

On October 7, 2025, the South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA) Advocacy Committee hosted “Be a Vaccine Hero: How Public Health Professionals Can Address Vaccine Hesitancy in the South Asian Community,” a virtual webinar led Baldeep K. Dhaliwal, PhD, MSPH from the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics. Public health professionals, students, and community advocates tuned in to learn how to address vaccine hesitancy in South Asian communities more effectively and compassionately.

Dr. Dhaliwal began by reframing vaccine hesitancy as a structural and relational issue, not simply a lack of information. She highlighted how colonial medical histories, racism in healthcare, immigration challenges, and language barriers can fuel mistrust, especially when combined with misinformation spreading via social media and platforms like WhatsApp. This framing grounded the conversation in health equity and emphasized the importance of meeting community members where they are.

The webinar then focused on practical strategies public health professionals can use in their day-to-day work, including:

Starting with listening and empathy before offering facts
Using plain language and culturally relevant examples to explain vaccine safety and benefits
Partnering with trusted messengers, such as faith leaders, community-based organizations, and clinicians who share language and culture
Acknowledging past and ongoing harms while still advocating for vaccination as a critical tool to protect community health

Through scenario-based discussion and Q&A, participants practiced responding to common myths, de-escalating tense conversations, and designing outreach that prioritizes trust, dignity, and cultural relevance.

This webinar is part of SAPHA’s ongoing commitment to advancing health equity and strengthening advocacy for South Asian communities. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Dhaliwal and all attendees who contributed their insight, questions, and lived experiences.