Working with vaccine-hesitant parents

Question 1

What are five steps to engage vaccine hesitant parents?

Answer 1

1. Understand the specific vaccine concerns of the parent: Use motivational interviewing, ie, questions that are client-centred, semidirective and aimed at changing behaviour
2. Stay on message and use clear language to present evidence of vaccine benefits and risks fairly and accurately
3. Inform parents about the rigour of the vaccine safety system
4. Address the issues of pain with immunization
5. Do not dismiss children from your practice because parents refuse to immunize

Question 2

What percentage of parents will never change their minds?

Answer 2

3%