Here's How:
Determine your need to discuss flu vaccines with the person. Is it someone you will spend a lot of time with or someone who will frequently be in contact with your loved ones? If the person is someone who has the potential to spread the flu to you or your family, it is more important that you discuss the importance of flu vaccines with them than it is with someone you rarely see.
If you feel that the discussion is an important one, start by asking the other person's opinion of flu shots. Make an effort to understand their point of view and ask questions. Find out why they believe what they do.
Discuss in a nonjudgmental way why you believe flu vaccines are important . If you respect the other person's point of view, he or she is less likely to be defensive and will be more receptive to what you have to say.
Be sure to share the fact that you cannot get the flu from a flu vaccine. Many people believe that because they or someone they know got sick shortly after getting a flu shot, that means they don't work or that the vaccine actually made them sick. It can be hard to change someone's mind who believes this, but there is a mountain of evidence that proves it is just not true.
A few great resources that explain why you can't get the flu from a flu shot:
Share a few statistics. Between 5 and 20 percent of the population in the United States gets the seasonal flu each year. About 200,000 people are hospitalized, and nearly 24,000 people die from it on average.
While the flu vaccine may not always be 100 percent effective, you are much less likely to end up being one of these statistics if you get it.
Share your reasons for vaccinating yourself and your family. Is it because you or someone in your home is at high risk for complications from the flu? Is it because you know the flu is a serious illness - much worse than just a bad cold?
Your personal experience with the flu and the flu vaccine are likely a more compelling argument than anything else. Be sure to back up your argument with how it relates to you and your family.
Let face it, sometimes you just won't be able to change others' opinions. If you present all of the facts and still cannot convince them of the importance of flu vaccines, all you can do is limit your exposure to them during flu season.
Tips:
- Do your best not to be judgmental or accusatory.
- Have patience. It isn't always easy to change other people's minds.
- Know the facts and the point you want to get across before you start your discussion.
- Understand that there are some people who can't get flu shots for medical reasons. If this is the case, be sure they know there are antiviral medications available to help them stay healthy during flu season.
What You Need
- Flu Season Tool Kit
- Answers to Common Flu Shot Questions
- A good understanding of why we get flu vaccines and how they work.
