Vaccination, Choice, and Client-Centered Care in Midwifery
The Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) invites you to a three-part Vaccination Speaker Series featuring leading experts in immunization, public health history, and client communication. Designed for midwives, this series explores vaccinations in pregnancy, vaccine hesitancy, harm reduction, and the broader social contexts influencing client decision-making. All sessions are grounded in the midwifery principles of informed choice, autonomy, and respectful, client-centered care.
Session 1
Vaccinations in Pregnancy: Evidence, Safety and Effectiveness
On January 7, 2026, Dr. Jesse Papenburg provided an evidence-informed overview of vaccinations in pregnancy, including the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Session 2
Vaccination and Anti-Vaccination Histories in Canada: Autonomy, Refusal and Social Movements
On January 14, 2026, Paula Larsson explored the history of vaccination and anti-vaccination movements in Canada, examining how social movements, identity, autonomy, and collective action have shaped vaccine acceptance and refusal over time.
Session 3
Access, Hesitancy and Harm Reduction in Midwifery Vaccine Conversations
Dr. Shannon MacDonald and Dr. Christine Huel
Dr. Shannon MacDonald and Dr. Christine Huel delivered a combined session focused on supporting midwives in navigating vaccination conversations across a range of client perspectives. Drawing on system-level research and clinical practice, they explored how structural factors influence access to vaccination for midwifery clients and share effective, client-centered approaches to discussing vaccines with those who may feel hesitant or unsure. Their session also addressed harm-reduction strategies for clients who are opposed to vaccination, emphasizing relational communication and respect for autonomy within the midwifery model of care.
Dr. Shannon MacDonald is a Professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta and a Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Applied Pediatric Immunization. Her research focuses on improving vaccine delivery systems, addressing structural barriers to immunization, and enhancing equitable access for underserved populations across Canada.
Dr. Christine Huel is an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan and a family nurse practitioner whose work centers on vaccine hesitancy, qualitative approaches to understanding decision-making, and culturally responsive communication in clinical practice.
