Communication skills that increase the effectiveness of conversations with patients regarding vaccination
Published: 8th October 2024
Overview
- Common reasons for missed vaccinations include various logistical barriers and personal choices, affecting overall vaccination rates.
- Vaccine confidence issues often stem from hesitancy rather than outright refusal, influenced by barriers such as poverty and geographic isolation.
- Historically, vaccination rates are notably lower among mothers/female carers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, non-English speakers, individuals with lower education, and those in disadvantaged areas.
- Objections to vaccination among educated parents often relate to a perceived low risk of disease and high perceived risk of vaccine side effects, along with a belief in alternative health practices.
- As trusted sources of vaccine information, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in building and maintaining trust and addressing barriers to vaccination through effective communication methods.
Missed opportunities for vaccination are common.1 There are many reasons why people do not get a vaccination on a particular day.2
Vaccine confidence is a problem of hesitancy rather than refusal. Even when refusal is suspected, vaccine confidence may not be the primary reason for low coverage. Logistical barriers to accessing vaccination, such as issues of poverty or geographic isolation, are important contributors to lower vaccination coverage in Australia.
