We’ve probably all heard the line that COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to reopen Australian businesses and borders, but some people are still hesitant to sign up.
If you have a friend or family member who doesn’t want a vaccine, here are a few expert tips on how to talk to them about it.
Read more: What the experts say about vaccine hesitancy in older Aussies
Listen first
Priory psychiatrist Dr Paul McLaren says: “Don’t jump to conclusions – and certainly don’t jump to judgement. There are many possible reasons for reluctance – from a lack of understanding, to needle phobia, to disturbed thinking through illness.
“Show a loved one that you are really interested in their position by gentle questioning. Make sure they know you have heard their concerns before challenging or presenting contrary evidence.”
Open the conversation strategically
“Vaccinations can be a really sensitive subject, so think about how you’re going to start the conversation,” says therapist Karl Rollison, who has written a book linked to the topic, The Needle Phobia Handbook.
Read more: Which vaccine is best? Here’s why that’s really hard to answer
“There’s no real hard and fast guidelines of how to get through to someone, but you will know your partner, friend or family member best. Some people need fears challenged, while others will respond better to a non-aggressive tone; employ the strategy you think will be most effective.”
Get to the heart of the issue
“Before you can start to chat about the issue, you need to understand what it actually is,” reminds Mr Rollison. “Are they worried about conspiracies – or could they be trypanophobic (scared of needles) or hemophobic (scared of drawing blood)?”
If someone has a phobia, Mr Rollison says you can point them in the direction of therapy and strategies that can help them overcome the issue. If they’re worried about conspiracies meanwhile, you could share some information from trusted news sources that debunk vaccine myths.
Talk about other family members’ feelings
“It’s always good to bear in mind that vaccination is a personal choice. However strongly you might feel, everyone has the right to choose what they feel is best for their health,” says Mr Rollison.
“That said, it’s important to remind a family member that their decision doesn’t just affect them – if you live together, then it has an impact on the whole family unit and could be the reason for someone getting ill.”
Avoid overloading them with facts and statistics
“If someone is resistant, throwing lots of statistics and facts at them probably isn’t going to help, because they’ve likely already done their own research and come to their own conclusions,” says Mr Rollison.
Read more: How far is Australia behind the rest of the world’s vaccine rollout?
You could always follow up the conversation with some links to science-backed articles that you think might reassure them, which they can digest in their own time.
Connect it back to real life
“Remind your friend or family member that getting the jab is for the greater good of themselves, by talking about some of the potential consequences of staying unvaccinated,” says Mr Rollison.
“You could use some non-aggressive phrases like: ‘I respect your decision, but not taking the vaccine means we can’t visit Aunt Ethel as soon as we’d like, which I know is important to you.’
“We’re still understanding exactly what having the vaccine will mean for everyone, but talking about some of the ways it could affect day-to-day life – like limiting travel – could be helpful in changing their mind.”
Have you received a COVID vaccine? Were you hesitant at first? Share your experience in the comments section below.
– With PA
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