Vaccine safety is a very real concern for some patients^9,10

Be prepared to establish honest and respectful dialogue^10,11,12

With the continuing proliferation of material on the internet and in social media, patients may be inundated with conflicting information about the safety of vaccines. As a result, hesitancy may present as skepticism or with additional follow-up questions and concerns.^8,12,13,14

Navigate your next vaccine-hesitancy conversations related to safety concerns or general mistrust of the health care system with help from these sample scenarios.

What hesitancy sounds like…

“How do I know vaccines are safe?”

Parent:

“How do I know vaccines are safe?”

HCP:

“Vaccines go through a strict approval process. For instance, just to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), vaccines are rigorously researched and tested.¹⁵

Even after approval, vaccines continue to be monitored for additional safety and efficacy concerns.¹⁵

But there are still risks. That’s why a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) is given to every person with each vaccine they receive to inform them of the risks and benefits of the vaccine.”¹⁶

You may also be hearing…

“I’d like to delay my child’s vaccinations. Can we save this for her next appointment?”

Parent:

“I’d like to delay my child’s vaccinations. Can we save this for her next appointment?”

HCP:

“I’m hearing that you’d like an alternative vaccination schedule. Could you help me understand why?”

Parent:

“It just seems like a lot all at once, and I’m not sure if it’s safe.”

HCP:

“The CDC-recommended vaccination schedule is designed to help protect children before they are exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases.¹⁷

It’s based on many factors, including how your child’s immune system responds to vaccines at various ages, and how likely your child is to be exposed to a particular disease.¹⁷

Delaying vaccines could leave your child vulnerable to disease and may lead to serious complications.¹⁷

I feel confident in this schedule, which is recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and approved by the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), etc.”¹⁸

“What about vaccine side effects?”

Parent:

“I’m not sure I want my child to get those shots. I’m a little concerned about the side effects.”

HCP:

“That’s understandable. Can you tell me what concerns you the most?”

Parent:

“Well, I’ve heard they can be dangerous.”

HCP:

“Vaccines can cause side effects that are usually mild and go away quickly on their own, such as a low-grade fever, headache and/or pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given.¹⁹

Serious side effects are extremely rare, but could include severe allergic reaction. Signs of a severe allergic reaction could be difficulty breathing, swelling of face and throat, and/or a bad rash on the body. Does that help address your concerns?”¹⁹

Parent:

“I’m still not sure.”

HCP:

“Okay. I’ll give you some information to read and we can reschedule a visit in 2-3 days to discuss any questions or concerns you might still have. Does that sound good?”

“I’ve heard a lot of conflicting information, and I don’t know what to believe.”

Parent:

“I’ve heard a lot of conflicting information, and I don’t know what to believe.”

HCP:

“I understand that you just want to make the best decision for your child. It can be hard when you’re unsure which information is true and which isn’t. Is there anything specific that I can help clear up?”

Parent:

“Well, my best friend read something on social media and now she doesn’t want to vaccinate her family.”

HCP:

“It’s good that you have someone you trust who can share their personal choices like that. I hope you can also trust me to help with your vaccination decision.

Vaccinations are an important part of your child’s health.²⁰ So important that I make sure my family and I are all vaccinated.”

Explore other scenarios and strategies for overcoming vaccine hesitancy.

Lack of information: