Medical Assistants Frequently Discuss Vaccines in Denver
A 2024 study of two pediatric clinics highlights the role of office staff in vaccine communications with parents.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Children’s Health
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Researchers observing Denver pediatric practices in the summer and fall of 2024 found that medical assistants discussed vaccines in 51 percent of patient encounters. The study compared these interactions to those involving receptionists, who discussed vaccines less frequently.
Why it matters
The findings help clarify how different clinic staff members contribute to vaccine discussions, particularly as practices manage varied patient populations. Understanding these communication styles is essential for standardizing support in pediatric health settings.
Researchers studied 127 encounters with medical assistants and 47 with receptionists across two pediatric practices. Medical assistants were found to discuss vaccines in 51 percent of their patient interactions.
The players
Pediatrics
This is a peer-reviewed academic journal that publishes research and clinical reports regarding the health of children.
The details
The research conducted in Denver revealed that staff members currently rely on informal or self-taught protocols when speaking with families about vaccines. These observations provide a foundation for understanding how support staff engage with parents in routine clinical settings.
Timeline
Summer and fall 2024: Researchers observed interactions in Denver pediatric clinics.
October 2026: The study was published in the journal Pediatrics.
Health Landscape
This study follows a pattern set by the American Academy of Pediatrics' immunization communication guidelines by examining how clinical workflows influence vaccine discussions. It highlights the evolution of medical science toward understanding the impact of non-physician staff on public health outcomes.
Families visiting pediatric offices can expect varied levels of vaccine-related communication depending on which staff member they interact with first. These findings suggest that parents may encounter informal, individualized advice from medical assistants during their routine appointments.
The takeaway
Staff roles in clinics are evolving, and support personnel often play a significant part in early vaccine discussions. Parents should feel comfortable asking for additional information from a physician if questions remain after speaking with medical assistants.
Further reading
Find more insights on pediatric care at Children’s Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Umn.
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Should medical office staff receive standardized training for discussing vaccines with patients?
