Strategies for engaging vaccine-resistant children's doctors employ when discussing immunizations
A Illustrative Tale of Measles: A Preventable Tragedy
Dr. Alexandra Cvijanovich, a seasoned pediatrician, still recalls a 13-year-old patient from her early medical days in Utah, a victim of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis - a rare, devastating complication of the measles virus. The boy had been infected at just seven months old, before he could benefit from vaccination. Those heart-wrenching experiences have stayed with her, reminding her of the immense value of immunization.
Officials recommend that children receive their first MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age. Two doses of the vaccine boast a staggering 97% effectiveness against the measles virus. Achieving herd immunity, the point where infection no longer easily spreads through communities, necessitates vaccinating 95% of the population, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Fast-forward to today, and Cvijanovich finds herself treating patients across New Mexico, including regions currently embroiled in one of the largest measles outbreaks in decades. As she grapples with over 300 affected cases spreading across three states, she doesn't shy away from sharing her patient's tale with hesitant families.
Mending Misconceptions: Communicating with Vaccine-Wary Parents
Given the pervasive misinformation and skepticism towards vaccinations, navigating conversations with apprehensive parents can seem daunting. However, experts stress the importance of addressing concerns head-on and tailoring discussions to individual families' apprehensions.
Emphasize the Importance of Addressing Specific Concerns
"Adjusting my approach and communication to each unique family concern has yielded the most successful outcomes," explained Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, a pediatrician from Columbia University Irving Medical Center. "This strategy allows families to feel more confident in their vaccination decisions."
For instance, addressing fears about potential side effects, which may circulate in family or community social media platforms, can be beneficial. Doctors can spend time clarifying misconceptions and providing evidence-based data to help parents make informed decisions.
Avoid Minimizing the Consequences of Disease
Highlighting the devastating consequences of measles, such as hospitalization, pneumonia, encephalitis, and deaths in extreme cases, can help parents better understand the significance of vaccination.
"Vaccines have unfortunately fallen victim to their own success," Dr. Christina Johns, a pediatric emergency physician at PM Pediatrics in Annapolis, Maryland, explained. "With the decrease of vaccine-preventable diseases over the years, people forget about their severity. In reality, these diseases remain very serious threats."
Indeed, one in five unvaccinated individuals diagnosed with measles requires hospitalization. Out of every 20 measles cases in unvaccinated children, one will develop pneumonia. In addition, one in 1,000 children will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and one to three of these children will tragically succumb to complications.
Partner with Parents for Vaccination Success
Forging a partnership with parents can be a powerful tool to foster trust and mutual understanding regarding vaccination decisions.
"Pediatricians desire what's best for your child, just like you do as a parent," Johns added. "So let us collaborate to discuss your concerns and weigh evidence regarding why vaccination may be the most suitable choice for your child."
Even when parents harbor uncertainties or fear about specific vaccines, transparency and dialogue can pave the way toward acceptance.
"My patients trust me and our relationship, as well as our conversations. This confidence is usually enough for them to proceed with vaccinations," Dr. Bracho-Sanchez shared. "However, this does not mean that there aren't lingering anxiety or uncertainty."
As challenging as it may be, doctors can refrain from dismissing or belittling parents' fears. Instead, they should strive to empathize, show understanding, and encourage dialogue to dismantle misconceptions and bolster trust.
Ultimately, vaccinations serve as an anchor that keeps our communities safe by preventing the spread of infectious diseases like measles. Let us remember the tragic stories of our patients and continue to advocate for herd immunity, the first line of defense against preventable illnesses.
- Dr. Cvijanovich, now treating patients in New Mexico, continues to share the story of her oldest vaccine-preventable illness patient, a 13-year-old boy who suffered from subacute sclerosis panencephalitis, a rare and devastating complication of the measles virus.
- Despite the increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases due to falling vaccination rates, Dr. Christina Johns emphasizes the significance of vaccines in protecting against diseases like measles, which can lead to hospitalization, pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death in some cases.
- In efforts to address parental fears and misconceptions about vaccines, pediatricians can focus on understanding individual concerns and providing evidence-based information to help parents make informed decisions, ultimately fostering a productive partnership for vaccine success.
