OSHP Event: Vaccine Hesitancy and Practical Solutions: Lessons from Marketing and Social Psychology
OSHP Event: Vaccine Hesitancy and Practical Solutions: Lessons from Marketing and Social Psychology
Thursday, July 30, 2026 (5:30 PM - 7:00 PM) (PDT)
Description

Join Aaron M. Sackett, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Marketing Department at the University of St. Thomas, for an insightful presentation examining how principles from marketing and social psychology can help address vaccine hesitancy. Drawing on decades of research in persuasion, decision-making, and social influence, Dr. Sackett will explore how individuals process health information and why certain communication strategies are more effective than others. Participants will gain practical, evidence-based techniques to engage vaccine-hesitant patients, build trust, and support informed vaccination decisions through more effective conversations.
Objectives for this presentation - the audience will:
- Gain an understanding of the psychology of persuasion and social influence, backed by empirical research
- Learn how effective behavioral change depends on the degree two which one’s persuasion target (e.g., patient) is engaged in a “systematic" (rational) mode or a “heuristic” (reactionary) mode of processing information
- Gain insight into what types messages and influence tactics are more effective, and which are counterproductive, depending on an individual’s current processing mode
- Leave with a set of actionable tips and tactics to help them more effectively persuade vaccine-hesitant patients to choose vaccination
Presenter
Aaron M. Sackett, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of the Marketing Department
University of St. Thomas - St. Paul, Minnesota
About the Presenter
Aaron M. Sackett is Professor and Chair of the Marketing Department at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he teaches courses on consumer behavior and ethical persuasion. He earned his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Yale University and has conducted research related to decision-making, persuasion, and social influence for over 20 years. In addition to publishing in scholarly journals, Professor Sackett seeks to translate current research into actionable lessons for practitioners and the public. He has shared his research
Complimentary Registration: Advance registration is required for planning purposes, but there is no fee to attend this event.
2730 S Moody Ave
Portland, 97201
Robertson Life Sciences Building The OHSU Robertson Life Sciences Building (RLSB) is located on S Moody. South Waterfront map and directions: https://www.ohsu.edu/swmap
5:30 pm - Registration and Networking with Exhibitors
6:00 pm - Presentation Begins