CAM Vaccination Speaker Series – 2025-26
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.
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. See slide deck
Vaccination and Anti-Vaccination Histories in Canada: Autonomy, Refusal and Social Movements
On January 14, 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.
Access, Hesitancy and Harm Reduction in Midwifery Vaccine Conversations
On January 28, 2026, 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 exploreed 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. See the slide deck.
Additional Recordings
Motivational interviewing: a promising approach to reducing vaccine hesitancy
Motivational interviewing is an approach that has been used for many years in many areas of healthcare. It has been adapted to discuss childhood immunization with parents. As part of the EMMIE program, this evidence-based, caring approach is now being implemented in maternity wards in Quebec, with a notable impact on reducing vaccine hesitancy among parents. This webinar will present the basic principles of motivational interviewing (MI). It will also include a testimonial from a Quebec midwife who overcame her vaccine hesitancy through motivational interviewing. Recorded March 2024. Slide deck: Andrea Houle – Hésitation vaccinale; Slide deck: Arnaud Gagneur
Updates in Pediatric RSV Prevention for Midwifery Practice with Dr. Jasleen Kaur Grewal
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants with significant morbidity and a risk of hospitalization. Novel RSV prevention strategies have emerged. This webinar will provide midwives with information regarding the changing landscape of pediatric RSV prevention in the Canadian context. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of RSV, its impact on public health, and an understanding of new developments in RSV prevention including vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. The aim of the webinar is to enhance midwives’ knowledge and confidence to provide counselling to clients. Recorded: February 9, 2024. See the slide deck
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: Emerging Tools for Clinicians
Vaccine hesitancy is defined as an attitude resulting in delay or refusal of vaccines. While this phenomenon is complex, research shows a recommendation from a trusted health care provider helps address it. Although midwifery scope varies, midwives are responsible for providing immunization counselling and education, as well as recommending appropriate resources. This presentation will provide an overview of vaccine hesitancy and vaccine acceptance, what we’ve learned about midwives’ opinions on the topic and share emerging tools for clinicians. The aim is to provide an understanding of the complex topic of vaccine hesitancy and ways to address it. Recorded March 12, 2024. See the slide deck.