The Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases is pleased to host a webinar on October 1, 2026 from 2 to 3:00 p.m. The seminar is free and open to the public. Registration is required. 

The seminar, Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: Seasonal Respiratory Viruses and Vaccine Hesitancy, will cover the following topics and provide evidence based-strategies related to: 

• Understanding seasonal respiratory viruses and health risks
• Promoting vaccination and addressing misinformation
• Correcting misinformation without reinforcing it
• Guiding patients to credible, evidence-based information

Respiratory viruses are more prevalent during winter and can lead to serious illness.  The confluence of seasonal viruses such as COVID-19, RSV, pneumococcal, and influenza can complicate diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the familiarity of viruses such as influenza and the common cold can reduce the perceived risk and influence the perceived importance of vaccinations. Public narratives that the vaccines are themselves riskier than the viruses have significantly complicated issues of hesitancy.  This session will help equip clinicians to promoting seasonal respiratory vaccinations, address misinformation and address the perception that these viruses pose minimal risk.

The seminar will be presented by Dr. Glen Nowak, the Jim Kennedy New Media Professor; associate dean for research and graduate studies, co-director of Center for Health & Risk Communication; professor of advertising & public relations in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Georgia; and Dr. Paul Kilgore, professor of pharmacy practice in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and co-director of the Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases at Wayne State University. 

Who should attend: 

• Physicians
• Nurses
• PA's
• Residents
• Fellows
• Community Health Workers
• Public Health Professionals 
• Researchers

The Wayne State University School of Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA CME PRA Category 1 Credits. Physicians should claim only the credit commensuate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

The Wayne State University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 

We hope you will be able to join us for this informative seminar!