Vaccines are among the most significant advances in contemporary medicine and save two to three million lives every year. The development of flu shots and vaccines is great progress in the fight against the flu. While this is good news, many people are still hesitant about vaccines.
Are you spending the Christmas holidays with your loved ones in New Brighton, Shoreview, or North Oaks, MN? It’s important to take safety precautions, especially if your gatherings include older people who should be protected from the flu.
Here is a guide on talking to your loved ones about getting flu vaccines before the holidays.
Identify With Their Values
Empathy is crucial when talking about getting vaccines. First, understand their main concern and emotion about getting vaccines and guide them accordingly. You can talk them into seeing the positive impact of the vaccine and the way it helps them and protects their loved ones.
Do Not Interrupt Them
Avoid interrupting them, speaking over them, or correcting your loved one when giving their view on the matter. Instead, pay attention to the person you are communicating with and follow the conversation keenly. While you should disagree with inaccurate information, be polite when stressing the importance of vaccines and consider the other person's opinion.
Open the Conversation With a Health Professional
Involving a health professional in the conversation is highly fruitful. Most people trust health professionals more than common folk as they are well-informed on health issues. Furthermore, it is easy for health professionals, especially doctors, to stress the importance of getting flu shots and vaccines. Notably, health professionals respond well to seniors' concerns, efficiently convincing them to be vaccinated.
Provide Facts from Credible Sources
Most people are misinformed about vaccines. Providing facts from trustworthy sources such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) might help change their perception of flu shots and vaccines.
Remain Optimistic
Using presumptive communication yields better results in convincing your loved ones. You can tell your loved ones ''Let's get the shot'' to establish verbal default and improve the possibility of your loved ones being vaccinated.
Vaccines Keep Your Loved Ones and Parents Safe
Flu and other respiratory illnesses have become common. While there are numerous ways to remain safe, being vaccinated guarantees you and your loved ones, especially the elderly, safety from the flu.
In cases where people do not want to get vaccinated, you may cancel large gatherings or exclude unvaccinated persons from the crowds. Doing so protects people, especially seniors, from highly contagious flu. Although the move sounds harsh, it is better to prevent than cure.
If you live in St. Paul, Roseville, New Brighton, Shoreview, and North Oaks, MN, or nearby areas, and you need home care services for your elderly loved ones, Senior Helpers Roseville, MN can help. Contact us for inquiries.