A Shot in the Arm: Encouraging COVID-19 Vaccination
One on one conversations with a trusted person tops the list as most effective approach.
In a January 2021 survey of LeadingAge members, the vast majority of respondents said the most effective strategy in allaying concerns was holding private, one to one, listening-oriented conversations with a trusted person such as the medical director, a respected nurse, one’s own physician, a chaplain or a knowledgeable peer. Bioethics experts back this up. Conversations should be open and non-judgmental. Provide information and resources to correct misperceptions and calm fears.
People are reluctant to get the COVID-19 vaccine for many reasons.
As you listen to the concerns people have about receiving the vaccine, there are likely to be some themes. These include:
- Fear of side effects
- Dislike of needles/ injections
- Fear of vaccine safety
- Concern about the intersection of the vaccine and reproductive health
- Concern that immunity may be short-lived
- Historic and ongoing systemic injustices and mistreatment
- Belief that COVID-19 only causes serious illness in older adults
- Misinformation from social media or friends and family
- Religious, cultural or social beliefs
Aging services providers use different strategies to reach different people in different settings
Here are some approaches aging services providers have taken to reach their staff:
- Posters (NO pictures of needles!)
- Zoom sessions with a physician who addresses common misconceptions.
- Handouts or links to, materials from CDC, vaccine manufacturers, pharmacy partners, health departments, LeadingAge toolkits and resources
- Interactive town halls with good information on safety, efficacy and reasons to be vaccinated.
- Building positive buzz with texts, robocalls, celebrations
- Testimonies from peers who have been vaccinated, side effects and why they got vaccinated.
- Stickers after first doses to encourage peers to ask questions.
- Rewards for receiving the second dose – T-shirts, PTO, compensation, social media recognition, wrist bands.
Leadership matters
Formal and informal leaders among staff, residents or in the wider community can make a difference in many ways, including:
- Role model embrace of vaccines by stepping up to be first in line.
- Build enthusiasm and create a sense of celebration.
- Remind everyone why vaccines are important and what widespread vaccination will ultimately promise.
- Create space for open, patient, respectful conversations.
Look for tools, tips, interviews with experts and much more at Vaccine Tips and Tools
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