How to talk to your patients about COVID-19 vaccination
Patients seek health information from trusted sources, including healthcare providers and pharmacists. Your patients often consider you as one of their most trusted sources of information when it comes to vaccines. Your answers to their questions matter and will help them make an informed decision about getting a COVID-19 vaccination.
Whether you have these discussions with your patients during an in-person office visit, through messages on your patient portal, at a telemedicine appointment, or during consultation in your pharmacy, your strong vaccine recommendation is the most important part of the conversation.
The pandemic has been stressful for many people. The first step is to acknowledge the disruption COVID-19 has caused in all our lives. Remind patients that getting vaccinated is the most important thing they can do to move back toward normal activities.
It is understandable how concerning it could be for your patients if they cannot be vaccinated right away. Help them schedule an appointment at your facility or pharmacy, if available.
Patients can alternatively contact their state health department for more information on its plan for COVID-19 vaccination.
Remind patients that while the goal is for everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine to be able to easily get one as soon as large quantities of vaccine are available, many people are trying to get vaccinated at the same time.
Encourage them to continue taking steps to protect themselves against COVID-19 and let them know how you plan to share updates about vaccine availability.
Let your patients know you recommend COVID-19 vaccination for them. Patients consistently rank healthcare providers as their most trusted source of vaccine information. Your strong recommendation is critical for vaccine acceptance. Tell your patients how important COVID-19 vaccines are to protect their health, as well as the health of those around them. Talk about your personal decision to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
“I strongly recommend you get a COVID-19 vaccine once it is available to you…”
“…This shot is especially important for you because of your [job/underlying health condition].”
“…I believe in this vaccine so strongly that I got vaccinated as soon as it was available to me, and I ensured that everyone in my family did the same.”
The COVID-19 vaccine is new and it’s understandable that your patients may have questions so they can make an informed decision about getting vaccinated.
Your willingness to listen to their concerns will play a major role in building trust in you and your recommendation. Make it clear that you understand they have questions, and you want to answer them, so they feel confident in choosing to get vaccinated.
Empathize with your patients’ concerns and provide information they need in a way they can understand. Explore some of the questions patients ask most often about vaccines and use tips for answering their questions: Answering Patients’ Questions.
Once you’ve answered their questions, let your patients know that you are open to continuing the conversation. Encourage your patients to take at least one action, such as:
- Scheduling a vaccination appointment with your facility, another vaccination provider, or pharmacy,
- Reading the additional information you provide to them about COVID-19 vaccination, or
- Learning when they will be eligible for vaccination, how they can find a COVID-19 vaccine, and what to expect at their vaccination appointment.
Because these vaccines are new, your patients’ comfort level with when to get vaccinated will vary. Continue to remind them about the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine during future routine visits.