1
Conversations to build
trust in vaccination
A training module
for health workers
May 2017
2
How to use this training module?
The content in this training module is intended to
be practical and adaptable for almost any setting.
Prior to the training, we recommend that the
programme manager/trainer adjust the content to
allow for any local considerations.
3
Introduction
In almost every community, there may be individuals who
have lower levels of trust in vaccines, or may doubt or be
indecisive about vaccination.
These individuals may be considered to be ‘hesitant’.
How do we identify them?
How do we listen to and understand their concerns?
How do we respond to their concerns in a helpful way?
How do we help move them towards vaccination?
4
Learning objectives
• At the end of this training module, the participant
will:
– Understand the key principles on communicating with
vaccine hesitant individuals
– Learn skills to listen and engage in conversations aimed at
building trust in vaccines
– Be able to respond to parental concerns regarding vaccine
safety and effectiveness using motivational interviewing
strategies
• Duration: 2 hours approximately
5
What is vaccine hesitancy?
- A delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines, despite
availability of vaccination services
- Complex and context specific, varying across time, place
and vaccine
ACCEPT
ALL
ACCEPT SOME,
DELAY AND REFUSE
SOME
ACCEPT
BUT
UNSURE
REFUSE
ALL
REFUSE
BUT
UNSURE
H E S I TA N C Y
6
Factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy
Complacency
Low perceived risk of
vaccine-preventable diseases,
and vaccination not deemed
necessary. Other life/health
issues are a greater priority
Convenience
Barriers related to
geographic accessibility,
availability,
affordability, and
acceptability of
services
Confidence
Low levels of trust in
vaccines, in the
delivery system, and in
health authorities
7
What factors influence decisions
about vaccination?
Contextual Individual and
group influences
Vaccine/vaccination
-specific issues
• Media and public
communication
• Local politics
• Religion, culture
• Accessibility of
services
• Trust in
authorities
• Beliefs and attitudes
about health and
disease prevention
• Knowledge and
awareness
• Poor quality health
service experience
• Mode of administration
• Source of the vaccine
• Vaccination schedule
• Any costs associated with
vaccination
• Knowledge/attitudes of
healthcare professionals
8
How is hesitancy expressed?
Are vaccines
safe?
Why are
vaccines
necessary for
everyone?
What are the risks
in providing
vaccines to my
child?
Is my child going
to get sick after
getting a
vaccine?
9
Group discussion (5 minutes)
Provide some SPECIFIC examples of vaccine
hesitancy you may have come across in your
community.
10
Addressing vaccine hesitancy
• No single strategy can address all of the different
dimensions of hesitancy
• What health workers (HW) say and how they interact
with the patient/caregiver can strongly influence
vaccine acceptance
This module focuses on evidence-informed best
practices for HWs to increase vaccine acceptance
through skilled conversation about vaccination.
11
Who might express vaccine hesitancy?
It can be anyone, including but not limited to…
Caregivers
Pregnant
Women Adults
Elderly
And others, e.g. religious leaders, media, health workers, etc.
Adolescents
12
How can a health worker identify
hesitant individuals?
Open the conversation with a presumptive statement or
announcement, presenting vaccination as a default:
“Now it’s time for Sarah’s vaccines.”
“Today we’ll give Sarah her vaccines”
13
H E S I TA N C Y
Is the caregiver/patient hesitant?
Examples of some responses…
ACCEPT
ALL
ACCEPT SOME,
DELAY AND REFUSE
SOME
ACCEPT
BUT
UNSURE
REFUSE
ALL
REFUSE
BUT
UNSURE
“I’m ready” “I don’t know”
“I have doubts”
“No, I’m not sure
this is right for
my child/for me”
“I don’t trust
vaccines”
“OK, I guess
I’ll vaccinate”
Accept all Vaccine
hesitant
Refuse all
Offer positive
encouragement:
“That is great!”
Administer the
vaccines
A conversation
guided by the
MOTIVATIONAL
INTERVIEWING
method
• Do not dismiss from the clinic
• Not a debate - focus on their concerns
• Leave space for any discussion
• Offer to refer to other health professionals
who can discuss further (if available)
• Explain their responsibilities if not accepting
vaccination, e.g. not protected against
diseases, may get ill, may need specialised
health care…, and to watch for signs and
symptoms of diseases in the community.
More points discussed later in the training.
If hesitant, how to proceed?
ACCEPT ALL ACCEPT SOME, DELAY AND
REFUSE SOME
ACCEPT BUT
UNSURE
REFUSE
ALL
REFUSE BUT
UNSURE
14
15
It is frequently observed that,
incorrectly…
Hesitant caregivers/patients may be offered a response such as:
- “Vaccines are good for you. You must get them.” (Directive)
- “You are wrong. Research supports vaccines.” (Argumentative)
Further, little or no time is spent on exploring the reasons and
motivations behind the hesitancy about vaccination.
This style of communication can contribute to DECREASING
TRUST between the health workers and the caregivers/patients.
 Vaccine uptake does not improve
16
For conversations with hesitant individuals:
Motivational interviewing
- A method of interacting with patients
- Aimed at exploring reasons for hesitancy and changing
attitudes and behaviour
With a specific
objective
Collaborative
Patient-centred
17
What is the objective for the health worker?
ACCEPT
ALL
ACCEPT SOME, DELAY
AND REFUSE SOME
ACCEPT
BUT
UNSURE
REFUSE
ALL
REFUSE
BUT
UNSURE
To move the caregiver/patient who is hesitant to
accept vaccination, and increase vaccine uptake
To move the caregiver to accept vaccination
H E S I TA N C Y
18
If the individual is hesitant,
proceed with the following 5 steps
for a more effective conversation
USING MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING:
1 2 3 4 5
• Motivational interviewing has been used widely and proven to
be an effective tool in producing behaviour change in other
areas of health, e.g. physical illness.
• This training presents motivational interviewing methods
adapted for the context of vaccination.
19
Ask open-ended questions
Close ended questions
Answer is only a yes or no
Open ended questions
Answer goes beyond a simple
yes or no
Do you agree?
Did you understand?
What do you think?
What did you understand?
Open questions using “what”, “why”, “how”, “tell me…”
to explore reasons behind hesitancy
1
20
Discussion (5 minutes)
In pairs or groups of three
Provide examples of other open-ended
questions you could use.
21
Reflect and respond
Simple reflection: directly repeating what the person says.
Complex reflection: repeating what you think the person
means.
Caregiver: “I know vaccinating will help my child but I am
afraid.”
• Simple reflection: “I understand that you are afraid.”
• Complex reflection: “You want to make the best choice for
your child but you are nervous.”
 Use both types of statements to acknowledge concerns.
1 2
Discussion (5 minutes)
In pairs or groups of three
Provide examples of complex reflection and open questions
to caregivers’ responses to the following scenarios.
Patient: “I know
vaccinating will help
me but I am afraid of
side effects.”
Mother: “I am not
sure what to do
because my
community leader
objects to vaccines.”
Father: “I am not
convinced about
vaccines, so it seems
like too much effort
to come all the way
to get them.”
22
23
Patient: “I know
vaccinating will help
me but I am afraid of
side effects.”
“I understand that you want to make
the best choice for yourself. What side
effects are you concerned about?”
Responding to hesitancy: examples
Complex reflection followed by open questions
24
Mother: “I am not sure what
to do because my community
leader objects to vaccines.”
“I can see you may be questioning vaccines. How are
other mothers you know dealing with vaccines?”
Other questions you can ask:
- What are your concerns?
- Do you know what your community leader is concerned about?
Responding to hesitancy: examples
Complex reflection followed by open questions
25
Father: “I am not convinced about
vaccines, so it seems like too much
effort to come all the way to get them.”
“Vaccination may be difficult to consider.
What do you know about vaccines?“
Other questions you can ask:
- Could I offer you some information on why we vaccinate?
- What would it take in order for you to accept vaccination for
your child?
Responding to hesitancy: examples
Complex reflection followed by open questions
26
Affirm the strengths
“It is great that you are starting to think
about vaccines.”
Validate concerns
“The health of your children is important to you.”
“Protecting yourself from illness is important for
you and the health of your community.”
1 2 3
27
Ask
Ask information
on what the
client knows
about vaccines
Provide
Share
information on
vaccines
Verify
Verify what they
have understood
and what they will
do with this
information
“So what do you
already know about
vaccination?”
“Given our discussion, how do
you view the decision now?
Remember I am here to help
talk through any concerns you
may have.”
“Could I provide you with
some information, based
on what you just shared?”
Ask-Provide-Verify
1 2 3 4
Please note: Be careful not to add potential concerns
by mentioning issues not raised by the
As the conversation evolves, explore the concerns further:
28
Summarize the interaction
“The reason that’s important is…”
“What that means to you is…”
“The main point to remember is….”
1 2 3 4 5
29
1 2 3 4 5
Determine the action
IF YES: Vaccinate and offer praise to affirm the positive
decision.
IF FOR FOLLOW-UP (if possible): Refer caregiver/patient to a
specialist/community advocate or schedule a new discussion:
“Let’s revisit this once you have had a chance to think more
about vaccination. When could you come back?”
IF REFUSAL: Do not debate. Leave the door open:
“I understand. Please know that if you change your mind and
want to talk about vaccinating, we are always available.”
30
If the caregiver/patient’s wishes are NOT to
vaccinate, ensure they understand their decision,
and explain their responsibilities for protecting
the health of their child/themselves.
“I understand that you have decided not to vaccinate today. Please
know you are taking an important responsibility. What this means is…
1) If your child/you are ill, you must seek medical assistance
2) When talking to medical/clinic staff, you must tell them that
you/your child has not received all the vaccines recommended.
3) You must learn about the signs and symptoms of vaccine
preventable diseases.”
Reference reading on caregiver roles and responsibilities for not accepting vaccines:
http://www.euro.who.int/__
data/assets/pdf_file/0004/160753/If-you-choose_EN_WHO_WEB.pdf?ua=1 (in English)
31
ROLE PLAYING (10-15 min)
• Person 1: Act as a vaccine hesitant individual who… (pick one)
• Person 2: Act as the health worker who is applying the principles of
motivational interviewing
• Any other(s): Observers
5 minutes for role playing, 5 – 10 minutes for discussion in groups of 2 or more
Case 1:
Is mildly reluctant to
vaccinate themselves
because friends
advise against
vaccines
Case 2:
Is very reluctant to
vaccinate the child
because mother-in-
law says no to all
vaccines
Case 3:
Does not want to
immunize themselves
and their child as no
one in family has ever
been vaccinated
Case 4:
Wants to debate
and convince HW
that vaccines are
bad
32
Reminders
DO DON’T
Do take a guiding style. Do not take a traditional directive
and argumentative style.
Do work with the parent/patient
to establish trust.
Do not identify and solve the
problem for the parent/patient.
Do explore doubts and interest in
vaccination. Think from their
perspective.
Do not argue or debate with the
client. Make it known that you
are there to listen to their
concerns.
Do take time to reflect on what
the caregiver/patient is saying.
Rush through without listening
33
1. What do you think about vaccines?
2. What is your major concern?
3. What would it take to move you to a “yes” to vaccinate?
4. What could make it easier for you to get vaccines (on
time) for yourself and/or your children?
As you apply these skills,
examples of questions to ask:
34
When applying these approaches…
Always ADAPT the communication
to YOUR setting
Be sensitive to culture, social norms, religion,
level of education, etc.
35
Other opportunities for
building trust in vaccines
Trust = Competence + Caring
Affection Trust
Distrust Respect
CARING
COMPETENCE
High
High
Low
Health workers can build trust in
vaccines by being transparent and
competent:
• Sharing data on diseases that can be
prevented by vaccination
• Sharing information on safety and risk
• Explaining why vaccines are
recommended and when (including
schedules and doses)
• Vaccine manufacturing safety standards
and national licensing
• Building trust in national decision-
making processes
36
Emotions matter when building trust
Remember to take into account the feelings and
concerns of caregivers:
• Offer the time, space, and the environment for
caregivers to digest information and ask questions
• Acknowledge and validate the perceptions of caregivers
before advising them
• Demonstrate listening, be authentic and show you care
• Always tell the truth, even if admitting you do not know
37
Frequently asked questions
BY HEALTH WORKERS
How long should my conversation take with a vaccine
hesitant individual?
• Guided conversations should take no more time than usual
routine interactions, or perhaps 2-3 minutes longer
• We suggest focusing on one concern during your interaction,
discussed in a competent and caring manner.
• If more time is needed, ask if the caregiver/patient can wait
until after others are vaccinated, or book another visit (if
feasible).
More FAQs in Appendix A.
38
SAFETY OF VACCINES
Can vaccinations lead to infertility?
No, vaccinations cannot lead to infertility. In fact, medical experts suggest that some
vaccines actually protect fertility indirectly by preventing the need for treatment.
Can vaccines cause harmful side effects, illness and even death?
No, vaccines are very safe. Most side effects from vaccines are minor and
temporary, such as a sore arm or mild fever. Serious adverse events or death are
VERY rare (e.g. 1 per millions of doses) for most vaccines.
Can needles used for immunization cause infection?
For every vaccine, we always use one-time or auto-disable syringes that cannot be
reused, which eliminates the risk of transmitting infections from needles.
TIMING OF VACCINES
Isn’t giving three needles too many in one visit?
No, receiving multiple vaccines in one visit is completely safe as you/your child’s
immune system is strong enough to handle them.
Frequently asked questions
BY PATIENTS/CAREGIVERS
More FAQs in Appendix A.
39
Summary
• Conversations that guide the caregiver/patient to explore
their reasons for hesitancy can help increase confidence and
trust in vaccines and the vaccination programme.
• The goal of these conversations is to move someone towards
a “yes” for acceptance. It may take more than one visit.
• Adequate training and practice can help lead to positive
outcomes.
40
Start with a presumptive statement: “It’s time for [name]’s vaccines
today”. If hesitant, follow-up with a guided conversation:
1. Ask open ended questions
“What are your concerns about vaccinating?”
2. Reflect and respond
Caregiver: “I know vaccinating will help by child but I am afraid.”
HW: “I understand that you want to make the best choice for your child but are nervous..”
3. Affirm strengths and validate concerns
“Its great that you are starting to think about vaccines.”
“The health of your children is important to you.”
4. Ask-provide-verify
“So what do you already know about vaccines?”
“Could I provide you with some information based on what you just shared?”
“Given our discussion, how do you view things now?”
5. Summarize and describe action
“What that means to you is…”
“Could I schedule a follow up appointment soon with our [doctor/pediatrician/expert]?”
STEP-BY-STEP SUMMARY OVERVIEW
41
Thank you for your attention!
42
Appendix A
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY VACCINE HESITANT INDIVIDUALS
43
“Won’t breast feeding protect babies from infection?”
Yes, breast milk will give some protection against some
infection, but it does not have the direct ability to prevent
infection like vaccines. Vaccines are very specific to the
given infection and their prevention capacity is very high.
“Can vaccines cause the infection they are supposed to
prevent?”
Inactivated vaccines do not have live germs and cannot
cause infections. Live vaccines have weakened germs that
are unable to cause disease in healthy people. Rarely a
mild form of infection may occur.
44
“Is protection from natural infection more effective
protection?”
Natural infection comes with the risks of serious
complications related to that infection. With vaccines, the
immune system is stimulated to develop protection
without infection, hence it is more effective.
“Shouldn’t vaccines be delayed until children are older
and there is less risk of side effects?”
There is no evidence that side effects are more common in
infants/babies than older children. Delaying vaccines
leaves young children at risk of the disease and its
complications.

More Related Content

PPTX
TrainingModule_ConversationGuide_final.pptx
PPTX
Vaccine hesitancy seminar primary care february 2021 v2
PPT
How to break bad news to family-Guidelines for young MD
PPTX
PATIENT INTERVIEW SKILLS.pptx
PPT
Communication skills in clinical practice for undergraduates
PPT
Communication skills in clinical practice for undergraduates
PDF
How to Ensure Vaccine Awareness among Children.pdf
PDF
Communication skills
TrainingModule_ConversationGuide_final.pptx
Vaccine hesitancy seminar primary care february 2021 v2
How to break bad news to family-Guidelines for young MD
PATIENT INTERVIEW SKILLS.pptx
Communication skills in clinical practice for undergraduates
Communication skills in clinical practice for undergraduates
How to Ensure Vaccine Awareness among Children.pdf
Communication skills

Similar to trainingmodule-conversationguide-final.pptx (20)

PPT
Module 16_Communicationllllllll EDITTED.ppt
PPTX
News breaking in critically ill
PPT
Communication skills
PPTX
effective_communication_for_vaccinations_final_10-22-15.pptx
PPTX
breaking bad news
PDF
Breakingbadnews 160429092518
PPSX
Breaking bad news to cancer patients
PDF
Intro HA.pdf
PPTX
BREAKING breaking BAD NEWS EDITING1.pptx
PPT
Difficult consultation
PPTX
Vaccine public engagement toolkit version 1
PPTX
BREAKING BAD NEWS ^0 CONFIDENTIAITY.pptx
PPTX
news.pptx
PPTX
10. Breaking Bad News.genetic counselingpptx
PPTX
Module 8_ Mental Health Aspects of Living with HIV.pptx
PPTX
communication-skills-2019.pptx for all s
PDF
10. Breaking Bad News in genetic counseling.pdf
PPT
Tool5 a
PPT
Patient Education
PPTX
MA114 Chapter 22 patient coaching
Module 16_Communicationllllllll EDITTED.ppt
News breaking in critically ill
Communication skills
effective_communication_for_vaccinations_final_10-22-15.pptx
breaking bad news
Breakingbadnews 160429092518
Breaking bad news to cancer patients
Intro HA.pdf
BREAKING breaking BAD NEWS EDITING1.pptx
Difficult consultation
Vaccine public engagement toolkit version 1
BREAKING BAD NEWS ^0 CONFIDENTIAITY.pptx
news.pptx
10. Breaking Bad News.genetic counselingpptx
Module 8_ Mental Health Aspects of Living with HIV.pptx
communication-skills-2019.pptx for all s
10. Breaking Bad News in genetic counseling.pdf
Tool5 a
Patient Education
MA114 Chapter 22 patient coaching
Ad

More from Sampath Samudrala (20)

PPTX
Management_Lead The Change_Time_Management.pptx
PPTX
Management -Lead The Change_Planning.pptx
PPTX
Effectiveness at Workplace for managers.pptx
PPTX
Facebook Ads Manager for beginners.pptx
PPTX
Two Day - EOD 2 - DISC Cue Cards.pptx
PPTX
Communication_Training_Module 11th March.pptx
PDF
Corporate Presentation Sept 2019 .pdf
PPTX
email communication for sales team .pptx
PPT
Business Etiquettes for sales teams2.ppt
PPTX
Communication training for sales team .pptx
PPTX
Communication 02 R Training to Sales Teams.pptx
PPTX
Structured_Cross_Functional_Communication.pptx
PPTX
Communication training 13th March.pptx
PPTX
Day 1 Problem solving Alternate 2nd.pptx
PPTX
e-Learning-Ecosystem-Maturity-Index.pptx
PPTX
Update on Germany Visit. On career pptx
PDF
Finosophy- for Youth- PPT- Sanju 230924.pdf
PPTX
Pedagogical Innovations in NCF 2023 Module 4.pptx
PPTX
Traidition Business in Modern India.pptx
PPTX
1 Lead Generation & Sales Collaboration
Management_Lead The Change_Time_Management.pptx
Management -Lead The Change_Planning.pptx
Effectiveness at Workplace for managers.pptx
Facebook Ads Manager for beginners.pptx
Two Day - EOD 2 - DISC Cue Cards.pptx
Communication_Training_Module 11th March.pptx
Corporate Presentation Sept 2019 .pdf
email communication for sales team .pptx
Business Etiquettes for sales teams2.ppt
Communication training for sales team .pptx
Communication 02 R Training to Sales Teams.pptx
Structured_Cross_Functional_Communication.pptx
Communication training 13th March.pptx
Day 1 Problem solving Alternate 2nd.pptx
e-Learning-Ecosystem-Maturity-Index.pptx
Update on Germany Visit. On career pptx
Finosophy- for Youth- PPT- Sanju 230924.pdf
Pedagogical Innovations in NCF 2023 Module 4.pptx
Traidition Business in Modern India.pptx
1 Lead Generation & Sales Collaboration
Ad

Recently uploaded (20)

PPTX
SEMINAR 6 DRUGS .pptxgeneral pharmacology
PPTX
ACUTE PANCREATITIS combined.pptx.pptx in kids
PPTX
Genetics and health: study of genes and their roles in inheritance
PPTX
Acute Abdomen and its management updates.pptx
PDF
Tackling Intensified Climatic Civil and Meteorological Aviation Weather Chall...
PPTX
Geriatrics_(0).pptxxvvbbbbbbbnnnnnnnnnnk
PPT
intrduction to nephrologDDDDDDDDDy lec1.ppt
PPTX
Journal Article Review - Ankolysing Spondylitis - Dr Manasa.pptx
PPTX
Hyperthyroidism, Thyrotoxicosis, Grave's Disease with MCQs.pptx
PPTX
SUMMARY OF EAR, NOSE AND THROAT DISORDERS INCLUDING DEFINITION, CAUSES, CLINI...
DOCX
ORGAN SYSTEM DISORDERS Zoology Class Ass
PPTX
Approach to Abdominal trauma Gemme(COMMENT).pptx
PPTX
Tuberculosis : NTEP and recent updates (2024)
PPTX
المحاضرة الثالثة Urosurgery (Inflammation).pptx
PPTX
Applied anatomy and physiology of Esophagus .pptx
PPTX
Surgical anatomy, physiology and procedures of esophagus.pptx
PPT
ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE PHARMACOLOGY Department.ppt
PDF
neonatology-for-nurses.pdfggghjjkkkkkkjhhg
PDF
heliotherapy- types and advantages procedure
PPTX
GAIT IN HUMAN AMD PATHOLOGICAL GAIT ...............
SEMINAR 6 DRUGS .pptxgeneral pharmacology
ACUTE PANCREATITIS combined.pptx.pptx in kids
Genetics and health: study of genes and their roles in inheritance
Acute Abdomen and its management updates.pptx
Tackling Intensified Climatic Civil and Meteorological Aviation Weather Chall...
Geriatrics_(0).pptxxvvbbbbbbbnnnnnnnnnnk
intrduction to nephrologDDDDDDDDDy lec1.ppt
Journal Article Review - Ankolysing Spondylitis - Dr Manasa.pptx
Hyperthyroidism, Thyrotoxicosis, Grave's Disease with MCQs.pptx
SUMMARY OF EAR, NOSE AND THROAT DISORDERS INCLUDING DEFINITION, CAUSES, CLINI...
ORGAN SYSTEM DISORDERS Zoology Class Ass
Approach to Abdominal trauma Gemme(COMMENT).pptx
Tuberculosis : NTEP and recent updates (2024)
المحاضرة الثالثة Urosurgery (Inflammation).pptx
Applied anatomy and physiology of Esophagus .pptx
Surgical anatomy, physiology and procedures of esophagus.pptx
ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE PHARMACOLOGY Department.ppt
neonatology-for-nurses.pdfggghjjkkkkkkjhhg
heliotherapy- types and advantages procedure
GAIT IN HUMAN AMD PATHOLOGICAL GAIT ...............

trainingmodule-conversationguide-final.pptx

  • 1. 1 Conversations to build trust in vaccination A training module for health workers May 2017
  • 2. 2 How to use this training module? The content in this training module is intended to be practical and adaptable for almost any setting. Prior to the training, we recommend that the programme manager/trainer adjust the content to allow for any local considerations.
  • 3. 3 Introduction In almost every community, there may be individuals who have lower levels of trust in vaccines, or may doubt or be indecisive about vaccination. These individuals may be considered to be ‘hesitant’. How do we identify them? How do we listen to and understand their concerns? How do we respond to their concerns in a helpful way? How do we help move them towards vaccination?
  • 4. 4 Learning objectives • At the end of this training module, the participant will: – Understand the key principles on communicating with vaccine hesitant individuals – Learn skills to listen and engage in conversations aimed at building trust in vaccines – Be able to respond to parental concerns regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness using motivational interviewing strategies • Duration: 2 hours approximately
  • 5. 5 What is vaccine hesitancy? - A delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines, despite availability of vaccination services - Complex and context specific, varying across time, place and vaccine ACCEPT ALL ACCEPT SOME, DELAY AND REFUSE SOME ACCEPT BUT UNSURE REFUSE ALL REFUSE BUT UNSURE H E S I TA N C Y
  • 6. 6 Factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy Complacency Low perceived risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, and vaccination not deemed necessary. Other life/health issues are a greater priority Convenience Barriers related to geographic accessibility, availability, affordability, and acceptability of services Confidence Low levels of trust in vaccines, in the delivery system, and in health authorities
  • 7. 7 What factors influence decisions about vaccination? Contextual Individual and group influences Vaccine/vaccination -specific issues • Media and public communication • Local politics • Religion, culture • Accessibility of services • Trust in authorities • Beliefs and attitudes about health and disease prevention • Knowledge and awareness • Poor quality health service experience • Mode of administration • Source of the vaccine • Vaccination schedule • Any costs associated with vaccination • Knowledge/attitudes of healthcare professionals
  • 8. 8 How is hesitancy expressed? Are vaccines safe? Why are vaccines necessary for everyone? What are the risks in providing vaccines to my child? Is my child going to get sick after getting a vaccine?
  • 9. 9 Group discussion (5 minutes) Provide some SPECIFIC examples of vaccine hesitancy you may have come across in your community.
  • 10. 10 Addressing vaccine hesitancy • No single strategy can address all of the different dimensions of hesitancy • What health workers (HW) say and how they interact with the patient/caregiver can strongly influence vaccine acceptance This module focuses on evidence-informed best practices for HWs to increase vaccine acceptance through skilled conversation about vaccination.
  • 11. 11 Who might express vaccine hesitancy? It can be anyone, including but not limited to… Caregivers Pregnant Women Adults Elderly And others, e.g. religious leaders, media, health workers, etc. Adolescents
  • 12. 12 How can a health worker identify hesitant individuals? Open the conversation with a presumptive statement or announcement, presenting vaccination as a default: “Now it’s time for Sarah’s vaccines.” “Today we’ll give Sarah her vaccines”
  • 13. 13 H E S I TA N C Y Is the caregiver/patient hesitant? Examples of some responses… ACCEPT ALL ACCEPT SOME, DELAY AND REFUSE SOME ACCEPT BUT UNSURE REFUSE ALL REFUSE BUT UNSURE “I’m ready” “I don’t know” “I have doubts” “No, I’m not sure this is right for my child/for me” “I don’t trust vaccines” “OK, I guess I’ll vaccinate”
  • 14. Accept all Vaccine hesitant Refuse all Offer positive encouragement: “That is great!” Administer the vaccines A conversation guided by the MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING method • Do not dismiss from the clinic • Not a debate - focus on their concerns • Leave space for any discussion • Offer to refer to other health professionals who can discuss further (if available) • Explain their responsibilities if not accepting vaccination, e.g. not protected against diseases, may get ill, may need specialised health care…, and to watch for signs and symptoms of diseases in the community. More points discussed later in the training. If hesitant, how to proceed? ACCEPT ALL ACCEPT SOME, DELAY AND REFUSE SOME ACCEPT BUT UNSURE REFUSE ALL REFUSE BUT UNSURE 14
  • 15. 15 It is frequently observed that, incorrectly… Hesitant caregivers/patients may be offered a response such as: - “Vaccines are good for you. You must get them.” (Directive) - “You are wrong. Research supports vaccines.” (Argumentative) Further, little or no time is spent on exploring the reasons and motivations behind the hesitancy about vaccination. This style of communication can contribute to DECREASING TRUST between the health workers and the caregivers/patients.  Vaccine uptake does not improve
  • 16. 16 For conversations with hesitant individuals: Motivational interviewing - A method of interacting with patients - Aimed at exploring reasons for hesitancy and changing attitudes and behaviour With a specific objective Collaborative Patient-centred
  • 17. 17 What is the objective for the health worker? ACCEPT ALL ACCEPT SOME, DELAY AND REFUSE SOME ACCEPT BUT UNSURE REFUSE ALL REFUSE BUT UNSURE To move the caregiver/patient who is hesitant to accept vaccination, and increase vaccine uptake To move the caregiver to accept vaccination H E S I TA N C Y
  • 18. 18 If the individual is hesitant, proceed with the following 5 steps for a more effective conversation USING MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING: 1 2 3 4 5 • Motivational interviewing has been used widely and proven to be an effective tool in producing behaviour change in other areas of health, e.g. physical illness. • This training presents motivational interviewing methods adapted for the context of vaccination.
  • 19. 19 Ask open-ended questions Close ended questions Answer is only a yes or no Open ended questions Answer goes beyond a simple yes or no Do you agree? Did you understand? What do you think? What did you understand? Open questions using “what”, “why”, “how”, “tell me…” to explore reasons behind hesitancy 1
  • 20. 20 Discussion (5 minutes) In pairs or groups of three Provide examples of other open-ended questions you could use.
  • 21. 21 Reflect and respond Simple reflection: directly repeating what the person says. Complex reflection: repeating what you think the person means. Caregiver: “I know vaccinating will help my child but I am afraid.” • Simple reflection: “I understand that you are afraid.” • Complex reflection: “You want to make the best choice for your child but you are nervous.”  Use both types of statements to acknowledge concerns. 1 2
  • 22. Discussion (5 minutes) In pairs or groups of three Provide examples of complex reflection and open questions to caregivers’ responses to the following scenarios. Patient: “I know vaccinating will help me but I am afraid of side effects.” Mother: “I am not sure what to do because my community leader objects to vaccines.” Father: “I am not convinced about vaccines, so it seems like too much effort to come all the way to get them.” 22
  • 23. 23 Patient: “I know vaccinating will help me but I am afraid of side effects.” “I understand that you want to make the best choice for yourself. What side effects are you concerned about?” Responding to hesitancy: examples Complex reflection followed by open questions
  • 24. 24 Mother: “I am not sure what to do because my community leader objects to vaccines.” “I can see you may be questioning vaccines. How are other mothers you know dealing with vaccines?” Other questions you can ask: - What are your concerns? - Do you know what your community leader is concerned about? Responding to hesitancy: examples Complex reflection followed by open questions
  • 25. 25 Father: “I am not convinced about vaccines, so it seems like too much effort to come all the way to get them.” “Vaccination may be difficult to consider. What do you know about vaccines?“ Other questions you can ask: - Could I offer you some information on why we vaccinate? - What would it take in order for you to accept vaccination for your child? Responding to hesitancy: examples Complex reflection followed by open questions
  • 26. 26 Affirm the strengths “It is great that you are starting to think about vaccines.” Validate concerns “The health of your children is important to you.” “Protecting yourself from illness is important for you and the health of your community.” 1 2 3
  • 27. 27 Ask Ask information on what the client knows about vaccines Provide Share information on vaccines Verify Verify what they have understood and what they will do with this information “So what do you already know about vaccination?” “Given our discussion, how do you view the decision now? Remember I am here to help talk through any concerns you may have.” “Could I provide you with some information, based on what you just shared?” Ask-Provide-Verify 1 2 3 4 Please note: Be careful not to add potential concerns by mentioning issues not raised by the As the conversation evolves, explore the concerns further:
  • 28. 28 Summarize the interaction “The reason that’s important is…” “What that means to you is…” “The main point to remember is….” 1 2 3 4 5
  • 29. 29 1 2 3 4 5 Determine the action IF YES: Vaccinate and offer praise to affirm the positive decision. IF FOR FOLLOW-UP (if possible): Refer caregiver/patient to a specialist/community advocate or schedule a new discussion: “Let’s revisit this once you have had a chance to think more about vaccination. When could you come back?” IF REFUSAL: Do not debate. Leave the door open: “I understand. Please know that if you change your mind and want to talk about vaccinating, we are always available.”
  • 30. 30 If the caregiver/patient’s wishes are NOT to vaccinate, ensure they understand their decision, and explain their responsibilities for protecting the health of their child/themselves. “I understand that you have decided not to vaccinate today. Please know you are taking an important responsibility. What this means is… 1) If your child/you are ill, you must seek medical assistance 2) When talking to medical/clinic staff, you must tell them that you/your child has not received all the vaccines recommended. 3) You must learn about the signs and symptoms of vaccine preventable diseases.” Reference reading on caregiver roles and responsibilities for not accepting vaccines: http://www.euro.who.int/__ data/assets/pdf_file/0004/160753/If-you-choose_EN_WHO_WEB.pdf?ua=1 (in English)
  • 31. 31 ROLE PLAYING (10-15 min) • Person 1: Act as a vaccine hesitant individual who… (pick one) • Person 2: Act as the health worker who is applying the principles of motivational interviewing • Any other(s): Observers 5 minutes for role playing, 5 – 10 minutes for discussion in groups of 2 or more Case 1: Is mildly reluctant to vaccinate themselves because friends advise against vaccines Case 2: Is very reluctant to vaccinate the child because mother-in- law says no to all vaccines Case 3: Does not want to immunize themselves and their child as no one in family has ever been vaccinated Case 4: Wants to debate and convince HW that vaccines are bad
  • 32. 32 Reminders DO DON’T Do take a guiding style. Do not take a traditional directive and argumentative style. Do work with the parent/patient to establish trust. Do not identify and solve the problem for the parent/patient. Do explore doubts and interest in vaccination. Think from their perspective. Do not argue or debate with the client. Make it known that you are there to listen to their concerns. Do take time to reflect on what the caregiver/patient is saying. Rush through without listening
  • 33. 33 1. What do you think about vaccines? 2. What is your major concern? 3. What would it take to move you to a “yes” to vaccinate? 4. What could make it easier for you to get vaccines (on time) for yourself and/or your children? As you apply these skills, examples of questions to ask:
  • 34. 34 When applying these approaches… Always ADAPT the communication to YOUR setting Be sensitive to culture, social norms, religion, level of education, etc.
  • 35. 35 Other opportunities for building trust in vaccines Trust = Competence + Caring Affection Trust Distrust Respect CARING COMPETENCE High High Low Health workers can build trust in vaccines by being transparent and competent: • Sharing data on diseases that can be prevented by vaccination • Sharing information on safety and risk • Explaining why vaccines are recommended and when (including schedules and doses) • Vaccine manufacturing safety standards and national licensing • Building trust in national decision- making processes
  • 36. 36 Emotions matter when building trust Remember to take into account the feelings and concerns of caregivers: • Offer the time, space, and the environment for caregivers to digest information and ask questions • Acknowledge and validate the perceptions of caregivers before advising them • Demonstrate listening, be authentic and show you care • Always tell the truth, even if admitting you do not know
  • 37. 37 Frequently asked questions BY HEALTH WORKERS How long should my conversation take with a vaccine hesitant individual? • Guided conversations should take no more time than usual routine interactions, or perhaps 2-3 minutes longer • We suggest focusing on one concern during your interaction, discussed in a competent and caring manner. • If more time is needed, ask if the caregiver/patient can wait until after others are vaccinated, or book another visit (if feasible). More FAQs in Appendix A.
  • 38. 38 SAFETY OF VACCINES Can vaccinations lead to infertility? No, vaccinations cannot lead to infertility. In fact, medical experts suggest that some vaccines actually protect fertility indirectly by preventing the need for treatment. Can vaccines cause harmful side effects, illness and even death? No, vaccines are very safe. Most side effects from vaccines are minor and temporary, such as a sore arm or mild fever. Serious adverse events or death are VERY rare (e.g. 1 per millions of doses) for most vaccines. Can needles used for immunization cause infection? For every vaccine, we always use one-time or auto-disable syringes that cannot be reused, which eliminates the risk of transmitting infections from needles. TIMING OF VACCINES Isn’t giving three needles too many in one visit? No, receiving multiple vaccines in one visit is completely safe as you/your child’s immune system is strong enough to handle them. Frequently asked questions BY PATIENTS/CAREGIVERS More FAQs in Appendix A.
  • 39. 39 Summary • Conversations that guide the caregiver/patient to explore their reasons for hesitancy can help increase confidence and trust in vaccines and the vaccination programme. • The goal of these conversations is to move someone towards a “yes” for acceptance. It may take more than one visit. • Adequate training and practice can help lead to positive outcomes.
  • 40. 40 Start with a presumptive statement: “It’s time for [name]’s vaccines today”. If hesitant, follow-up with a guided conversation: 1. Ask open ended questions “What are your concerns about vaccinating?” 2. Reflect and respond Caregiver: “I know vaccinating will help by child but I am afraid.” HW: “I understand that you want to make the best choice for your child but are nervous..” 3. Affirm strengths and validate concerns “Its great that you are starting to think about vaccines.” “The health of your children is important to you.” 4. Ask-provide-verify “So what do you already know about vaccines?” “Could I provide you with some information based on what you just shared?” “Given our discussion, how do you view things now?” 5. Summarize and describe action “What that means to you is…” “Could I schedule a follow up appointment soon with our [doctor/pediatrician/expert]?” STEP-BY-STEP SUMMARY OVERVIEW
  • 41. 41 Thank you for your attention!
  • 42. 42 Appendix A COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY VACCINE HESITANT INDIVIDUALS
  • 43. 43 “Won’t breast feeding protect babies from infection?” Yes, breast milk will give some protection against some infection, but it does not have the direct ability to prevent infection like vaccines. Vaccines are very specific to the given infection and their prevention capacity is very high. “Can vaccines cause the infection they are supposed to prevent?” Inactivated vaccines do not have live germs and cannot cause infections. Live vaccines have weakened germs that are unable to cause disease in healthy people. Rarely a mild form of infection may occur.
  • 44. 44 “Is protection from natural infection more effective protection?” Natural infection comes with the risks of serious complications related to that infection. With vaccines, the immune system is stimulated to develop protection without infection, hence it is more effective. “Shouldn’t vaccines be delayed until children are older and there is less risk of side effects?” There is no evidence that side effects are more common in infants/babies than older children. Delaying vaccines leaves young children at risk of the disease and its complications.

Editor's Notes

  • #1: This training module was developed with thanks to Shweta Dhawan, Dalhousie University, Canada. Appreciation for technical inputs on the content also goes to: Professor Noni Macdonald at Dalhousie University, and Professor Anna Taddio, at the University of Toronto.
  • #23: Note to facilitator: Please highlight to the trainees that the suggested questions are examples of what may be asked during a conversation. Questions should be chosen in response to the context and the nature of the patient/caregiver’s concerns.
  • #24: Note to facilitator: Please highlight to the trainees that the suggested questions are examples of what may be asked during a conversation. Questions should be chosen in response to the context and the nature of the patient/caregiver’s concerns.
  • #25: Note to facilitator: Please highlight to the trainees that the suggested questions are examples of what may be asked during a conversation. Questions should be chosen in response to the context and the nature of the patient/caregiver’s concerns.
  • #44: Other FAQs on vaccination: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/caregivers/faqs.html