Fear Factor

Vaccination is the best way to prevent COVID-19 and “Long Hauler Syndrome.”

Yet, as of December 10, less than 61 percent of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated (according to the CDC).

Many of the holdouts cite a slew of misinformation, including concerns that the vaccines aren’t safe or that the potential side effects aren’t worth the risk of getting them. Others believe that the risk of getting the disease and its consequences are exaggerated.

Overcoming vaccine hesitancy is critical to dousing the pandemic. Deanna Kepka, PhD, a vaccination expert and director of global and international health in the U of U College of Nursing, recommends evidence-based strategies to bolster vaccine adherence:

OFFER A STRONG RECOMMENDATION: Most patients trust their personal physicians to offer them the best medical advice. So a recommendation from their doctor to get vaccinated will likely carry far more weight than guidance from the government or media.

MAKE IT PART OF THE ROUTINE: Check a patient’s vaccination status before seeing them. If they haven’t received the COVID-19 vaccine, suggest it as part of an overall health care plan that is a normal part of your practice.

MAKE SURE YOUR STAFF IS ON BOARD: Physicians need to create a pro-vaccine climate for their entire health care practice. Everybody has to have a positive attitude.

• Doug Dollemore