You are ready to vaccinate- what if your clients don't want it?
How are you addressing vaccine hesitancy with your pregnant clients?
Here are some suggestions from
the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs:
The KFF Vaccine Monitor reports vaccine confidence is increasing more and more as people see friends and family members vaccinated.
Can your client identify a pregnant family member or friend who has been vaccinated? If not- can you identify a trusted staff member or doctor in the clinic who is or was pregnant and has been vaccinated?
The CIVIQS Survey (4/20/21) reports 47% of women of childbearing age who have a college education have already been vaccinated- While only 38% of non college grads are vaccinated.
Why are the numbers of already vaccinated lower for non college grads?
The top concerns reported can be addressed with information, and support to find the right vaccination location:
Worry about missing work related to Covid side effects
Concerns regarding contracting Covid from the vaccine
Fear of needing to pay out of pocket for the vaccine
Make sure messaging is accurate, customized, clear and consistent; and appropriate for all levels of literacy.
Utilize trusted staff who have positive patient relationships as spokespersons. CPSP staff who spend a lot of time with clients are some of the most trusted educators. CPHWs and Home Visitors are also often authentic and welcomed messengers.
Much of the above information was gleaned from the 4/16/21 presentation by the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs webinar Earning Trust, Building Vaccine Confidence: Lessons Learned from Global and Local Initiatives. Here is a recording of the Webinar.
