14 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | OCTOBER 2024
How to Discuss Vaccination with Family and Friends
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During the fall and winter months , respiratory infections such as flu , COVID-19 and RSV can surge . People who are vaccinated lower their risk of getting seriously ill and needing medical care if they get infected . About 70 % of adults in the United States said they probably or definitely will get a flu shot , and more than 50 % said they probably or definitely will get an updated COVID-19 vaccine . While many people are ready to get this season ’ s vaccines , others might still have questions .
“ It is normal for people to have questions about vaccines ,” said Peter Marks , MD , PhD , director of the U . S . Food and Drug Administration ’ s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research , which oversees and reviews vaccine clinical trials . “ It ’ s important for everyone to know that all vaccines go through extensive testing before they are approved and that following approval , they are carefully monitored to identify any safety concerns so that they can be addressed quickly . Hundreds of thousands of volunteers have taken part in respiratory vaccine trials . The results tell us that these vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe disease caused by flu , COVID-19 and RSV .”
Here are some ways to talk about the importance of this season ’ s vaccines with a family member or friend who is unsure about getting vaccinated .
Hear them out . When talking about vaccination , it ’ s important to make others feel heard . There are many reasons why people may have questions and concerns about vaccines or even the health care system in general . Listen to their thinking and try not to judge . They want to know their thoughts and feelings matter .
Focus on the facts . Instead of calling out vaccine myths , focus on vaccine truths . Concentrating on myths can cause them to become the topic of your conversation . Instead , speak about the benefits of vaccines . For instance , you can mention vaccines cut your risk of being hospitalized for flu or COVID-19 by about half .
Ask if they need help getting vaccinated . Sometimes , people just need some help to find ,
14 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | OCTOBER 2024