Date Time Having difficult conversations: Addressing vaccine hesitancy by Zoe Perrier, graduate student in the Department of Psychological Sciences, and Adrianne Fletcher, assistant professor and assistant dean for diversity and inclusion at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences Regarding vaccine hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine, about half the population is in the “movable middle.” More specifically, 20% are skeptical and 30% are open but uncertain. They want to know that vaccines are safe and that the benefits outweigh the risks. Using empathic messaging and transformative dialogue, we can do our part to increase vaccine efficacy among our friends and family in the movable middle. The following three topics are among the most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy. In this article we will discuss how to address these tough conversations with friends, family, and community members.