National Immunization Awareness Month runs through the month of August and serves as a time to highlight the importance of vaccines and tackle any misconceptions people may have about available vaccinations. In a time where conflicting and potentially harmful information is only a short Google search away, it’s necessary that people have access to reliable and accurate sources of information, particularly when it pertains to making a medical decision. It’s a promising sign that more and more people are signing up for their dose of the COVID-19 vaccination, but there is still a significant portion of the population who are hesitant to receive their vaccine. If you’re in need of resources or tips to address vaccine hesitancy and misconceptions, then the following list will offer some guidance on navigating these difficult conversations.
Whether you’re having these conversations with a close friend, a family member or a patient, what’s most important is that you use empathy and understanding when addressing their concerns or fears. People’s concerns are legitimate and the conversation will be more productive if you avoid talking down to the person or ignore their feelings over the COVID-19 vaccine. Do your own research and gently, but firmly counter any myths or inaccuracies that may arise during the conversation. Begin from a place of empathy and understanding; ask open-ended questions to get a feel for the person’s hesitancy; do your own research and gently push back against any myths or inaccuracies.
Be sure to offer legitimate sources of information. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has an entire section of their website dedicated to COVID-19 that features new information on the virus, current safety guidelines and resources to help people find their closest vaccination site. If you want a simple breakdown of the COVID-19 vaccine and its safety, use the ‘Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine’ guide to address basic concerns. Or check the ‘Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccine’ to familiarize yourself with some of the common misconceptions about the purpose of the vaccine so you are prepared with facts that can help counter the myths during your discussion.
If you’re a healthcare provider and are searching for ways to talk about the vaccine with your patients, consider watching the CDC’s video series, ‘#HowIRecommend’ for tips and techniques you can use when making a vaccine recommendation to your patient. The short video series primarily focuses on vaccine recommendations aimed at children and their guardians, but the advice offered can be used no matter what area of medicine you currently work in. Watch Dr. Tolu Adebanjo’s video on how physicians can improve their vaccine recommendations:
Once you’ve addressed any vaccine concerns, there are still steps you can take to help them. Consider helping them locate a vaccination site or assist them in scheduling an appointment. Offer to drive them to their appointment or watch their kids or pets while they’re away. Continue to support them in any way that you’re able to.
Vaccines are safe and are necessary in slowing the spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. We must all do our part to keep ourselves, our friends and family and our larger communities safe. Vaccine misconceptions spread easily on the internet and it’s important to educate ourselves and those around us who may experience vaccine hesitancy or anxiety. This post should provide plenty of tools to help you navigate these conversations so you can successfully dispel the myths many people have about our current vaccines. For more information or resources to help you fight the current vaccine misinformation, be sure to visit the CDC’s website or visit your local health department’s website for resources!
