Vaccine Counselling

Question 1

A 32 year old male who describes himself as an ‘influencer’ presents to your COVID vaccination clinic , accompanied by his mother. He says he doesn’t believe in COVID and is only there because his mother has forced him. How would you manage this situation?

Answer 1

Impression
?vaccine hesitancy in an adult male patient. Given this is a vaccination clinic, goals of this situation include;
- identify beliefs, concerns of patient, their goals
- address any misconceptions respectfully
- utilise I PRAC procedure for consenting patient for COVID vaccination

Question 2

Vaccine counselling - History

Answer 2

History
Approach
- non-judgemental
- acknowledge patient for attending clinic

PC

• why not believe in COVID? address concerns, ideas, engage with their understanding
• avoid argumentative engagement
• calmly bu assertively detail evidence-based to any misconceptions/false claims
• provide online resources or patient information hand-outs to take home
• assess readiness/willingness to engage in conversation regarding vaccination

Question 3

Vaccine counselling - Examination

Answer 3

Examination

• vitals
• general appearance
• cardiac exam: rule out heart murmurs

Question 4

Vaccine counselling - COVID-19

Answer 4

General information regarding COVID;

• real disease, affected many people, increasing rates of infection worldwide, one of the highest currently in Australia
• significant cause of mortality, but not just direct ill health but strain on health system are indirect effects of the pandemic
• many ways to prevent transmission, vaccination being an important component of this.

Question 5

Vaccine counselling - COVID vaccines

Answer 5

Information regarding vaccination

• many different types of vaccinations now available in Australia
• AZ, Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax

IPRAC
I - indication is adults and paeds over 5 years to prevent severe COVID, may also be a requirement of specific workplaces, international travel, etc
P - Procedure: jab in the arm; ideally 12 weeks between jabs for AZ, 3-6 for Pfizer, 4-6 for Moderna. Now recommended third dose, and also 4th dose booster for adults >30yrs
R - Risks: common side effects for al vaccines include myalgia, fevers, headache, chills, arthralgia, injection site pain/skin reaction. Less likely is anaphylaxis, VITTS (for AZ), myocarditis (modern/pfizer). Also still risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 if vaccinated
A - Alternatives: no vaccination
C - concerns/consent: sign consent form: advise is his decision to undergo vaccination, nobody is forcing him to do so