Thread by @ReneeLiang

How to engage with your vaccine hesitant friends and family. A few things I've learnt. (a thread)
Connection.
Compassion.
Commitment.
These are the things you'll need. Also one word you'll need: 'Protection'. 1/

You don't need much more. You don't need a lot of knowledge about Covid, or to be a doctor or scientist. You - a person that cares for and knows the person you are talking to - are enough.
2/

These conversations can use a lot of energy though, so only engage when you have the resources yourself to care, and you care enough for the person to work with them. It is fine to not have the energy sometimes. 3/

Here are the steps. There are only a few, and they're quite easy.
Identify if the person is a. keen; b. vaccine hesitant; or c: completely against vaccination.
If they're keen, see if they need help to get the vaccine ie transport, support while they get it etc. 4/

If they're hesitant (the majority of the people who remain unvaccinated) use your connection with them to see if they want to talk about why. Maybe they're scared because they've heard something. Maybe they have a health issue and they're worried it will make it worse. 5/

Maybe they are in a social group where there is someone who is spreading fear and misinformation. But you are their friend and by asking open ended questions, not judging, being compassionate and getting them to talk you might just help them see the issue more clearly. 6/

If they're completely against, then don't push it further. Connect over the other things you both love. Let them know you disagree but that it doesn't affect the other reasons you love them. Keep the friendship open for the next time you talk. 7/

And now let's focus on the vaccine hesitant group. This is where you might, by showing connection, compassion and the commitment to stick with them, be able to shift your friend over to acceptance. It might take more than one conversation, but you can do it. 8/

Here is where that magic word 'protection' comes in. If in doubt - use this word. I'll use it again: Protection. 9/

Someone who has spent time wading in fears and misinformation can be very entrenched in their views. If you challenge their views with evidence, it results in cognitive dissonance (which threatens their sense of self) so they are likely to double down further. 10/

So don't challenge misinformation & fears directly. Focus on why they might choose vaccination: Protection. Protection for themselves, their children & elderly. Protection for community. Protection for country, & way of life, & for all the things that make life worth living. 11/

However, if you sense that they haven't yet accepted the misinformation and are just seeking more knowledge, then this is where you can help them access accurate information. There are lots of websites and social media sources starting with covid19.govt.nz. Or ask me!12/

If it's their personal medical journey or a reaction to previous vax that worries them, encourage them to ask their GP. Check if there are barriers to access. Very few reactions/conditions rule out vaccination, but some may need to get their vax at a GP practice or hospital. 13/

Once you have provided information or support, follow up to check how they're feeling now. Do they need any more help? How do they now feel about protecting themselves and others? 14/

It's amazing, but often just having someone to talk to is enough to break the circuit of fear and misinformation. You can make that difference! 15/ *end thread*

this has been a #supersaturday thread. We’re at 120k and counting !!!!! Whooooo

@DrFeLangridge @DrJinRussell @LiangRhea @emmawehipeihana