Talking with Parents about Childhood Vaccines

Transcription

1 Talking with Parents about Childhood Vaccines Presented by Erin Suelmann Program Manager Developed by Meredith Kersten Communications Coordinator

2 This is Important Use your position to provide trustworthy information for parents Parents who question vaccines come from a place of fear You are an ambassador for children s health; parents want and need your guidance

3 First Step: Listen Your time is limited and valuable, but a few minutes can make a big difference Take time to listen, make eye contact and show you take their concerns seriously Repeat what parents say and confirm that you understand them correctly

4 Most Parents Vaccinate Most parents vaccinate 80% Most will understand the value of vaccination Many will ask questions 80/10/10 Rule 80% agree 10% love 10% argue

5 What you Might Hear 1 in 4 parents (including those who vaccinate ) have concerns about vaccines and autism, and vaccine adverse reactions Be prepared for parents top vaccine concerns and questions, and know what to say

6 Do Vaccines Cause Autism? Wakefield findings, retraction and medical license revocation are powerful facts No studies have been able to replicate Wakefield s findings Based on all the available information, the answer is NO Counter with the real risk of preventable diseases

7 Vaccines Contain Scary Chemicals Thimerosal was removed from most childhood vaccines in 2001 Every ingredient plays a role in enhancing the body s ability to make disease fighters Added ingredients are used in trace amounts that have been tested for safety and efficacy

8 Side Effects Acknowledge that vaccines are not risk-free Explain the risk of side effects Share information on what constitutes as common, mild or serious How should a parent respond to common, mild and serious side effects? Inform parents about VAERS

9 Benefits vs. Risk Put the risks in perspective Remind parents of your experience treating VPDs; they most likely have not seen the devastating effects These diseases are not gone, only suppressed Parents do a lot to protect their children, vaccination is one of the most important

10 Too Many Too Soon? Can my baby s tiny body handle all these vaccines so soon in her life? Drop in the ocean theory The CDC and AAP recommended vaccine schedule is designed to protect babies when they are most vulnerable Note recent and relative news stories, i.e. measles and pertussis outbreaks

11 Why Should I Protect My Child Against an STD? Sexual activity is not the only form of transmission of Hep B Although rare, it has been transmitted medical settings, daycares and classrooms HPV vaccine gives boys and girls protection before it becomes a concern No one knows what children might come in contact with or when

12 Is It Safe to Delay? The CDC and AAP recommended schedule has been in use for 50 years Tried, tested and true Delaying only increases a child s exposure time A May 2010 study shows there is no benefit in delaying vaccination

13 Are Doctors Pushing for their own Profit? Most health care providers barely break even on vaccines (AAP study) You are an advocate for children s health, not pharmaceuticals The best way to protect is to prevent

14 Is Natural Immunity Better than Artificial Immunity? Natural immunity comes with risks, including becoming sick, hospitalized or worse Artificial immunity allows a child to stay in school and in playgroups without risk of exposure

15 Are these Diseases Real? Again, remind parents of your experience treating VPDs, or their affect on past generations of children We have already seen the risk of not vaccinating Travel is a part of our culture Especially real for at-risk members of our community who are not able to benefit from vaccines

16 Ask Questions Ask why they have these concerns Ask where they got their information Did they or someone they know have a bad experience? Do not be offended, and do not take their questions as a lack of respect for your medical opinion

17 Respect and Address Concerns You are most parents trusted resource Use the opportunity to address specific concerns and misunderstandings Remind them that you care about their child s health and that keeping her healthy is a partnership. Respect parents opinions, and they will build trust in you as a provider Building trust can make your vaccine recommendation more valuable

18 Be Gentle Encourage parents to ask questions Remember that anger and uncertainty comes from fear Use understandable language

19 Showcase Your Expertise Share your knowledge, training and understanding of vaccines Your confidence in the childhood immunization program is reassuring to parents

20 Discover What Works Some parents want factual information, others want more emotional or anecdotal information Many parents cite that providers personal expressions (i.e. I vaccinate my children. ) restores their confidence Listen and watch parents to understand what resonates with them

21 Know the Facts Stay up-to-date Sign-up for alerts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Every Child By Two and CCIC Research shows parents want to understand the science Keep asking questions

22 Direct Their Concerns Reassure parents that their concerns are real, but alert them that their source might not be CCIC has a great guide for discerning trustworthy, credible sites CCIC also has a list of suggested websites for more information

23 Trusted Resources Find the About Us link on the site Google the authors on the site Look for a profit bias Check the dates on the information See the destination of site links and the site s sponsors If it is a nonprofit organization, look up their Guidestar profile Contact the site

24 CCIC Endorsed Sites Immunization Action Coalition - Every Child By Two - Autism Science Foundation - Meningitis Angels -

25 CCIC Endorsed Sites California Immunization Coalition - Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center - GAVI Alliance -

26 CCIC Endorsed Sites American Academy of Pediatrics Childhood Immunizations Support Program - CDC Vaccines and Immunization Site - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Colorado Immunization Program on/

27 Have a Plan for Vaccine Refusers Some vaccines are better than none see if you can reach a compromise Remind parents of the risks for their child and others who is in danger, and how will their child be treated in the case of an outbreak Know your policy

28 Dealing With Parents Who Want to Delay, Withhold, or Space Out Vaccinations Paul Offit, MD Children s Hospital of Philadelphia

29 Keep the Communication Open Finally, keep the lines of communication open Continue to discuss parents concerns at future visits, or schedule an additional visit specifically for discussing their concerns Leave parents with resources and tools to think about their options

30 Share Widely Make sure colleagues and staff are prepared and educated to answer questions Use your position to inform others in nonmedical settings Social Media

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