Leveraging Artivism for Pediatric Vaccine Education

Artivism—using art as a medium for activism—can be a powerful tool in the advancement of vaccination confidence. At iHIT Co., our Summer Externs took on a critical challenge: extending the Vaccine Equity Education Coalition health education framework to address pediatric vaccine hesitancy. By conducting research in regions with low pediatric vaccination rates, the team identified key causes of hesitancy and explored ways to increase vaccine confidence through creative means.

Each extern focused on a different zip code across the United States, allowing the project to spread awareness on a national scale. This approach enabled them to address local nuances and challenges effectively, ensuring that the solutions were contextually relevant and resonant with the specific communities. Utilizing a sociological ecology approach, the externs mapped community assets, identifying trusted local resources and partners in each area. Their work revealed that integrating artivism—using creative expression to tell compelling stories about vaccine safety—could transform public perceptions.

In one area, an extern used bilingual digital art to depict positive vaccine narratives, drawing on local cultural symbols to foster trust and understanding. In another zip code, digital media was used to create shareable online content that resonated with younger parents. By creating engaging, culturally relevant artwork, they aimed to build trust and convey the importance of pediatric immunizations.

The project culminated in a live pitch, where each extern showcased their artivism-based strategies tailored to their specific regions. This innovative approach not only highlighted the power of art in education but also set the stage for impactful change in how communities perceive and respond to vaccination efforts.