With COVID-19 cases on the rise again as the Delta strain spreads, it's more important than ever to get vaccinated. Everyone should get a vaccine. It's safe, it's effective. It is everyone's responsibility to themselves, their families and their community to not become the next spreader of this highly contagious virus. So what's the best way to talk to someone who has resisted the experts' message to get vaccinated? Here's some advice on how to tackle this challenging topic.
Understand why someone hesitates
The best approach to discussing vaccine hesitancy depends on the underlying concern that is preventing a person from getting an injection. For example, people who distrust information from traditional media sources may be better persuaded by a trusted physician or spiritual leader. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to convince, as there are several reasons why someone might be hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Some people may think that the threat of illness does not apply to them. Other people may fear the perceived risks of vaccination. Some people may have personal values that lead them not to accept so-called "unnatural" interventions. Others may be skeptical or suspicious of the information they receive from authoritative sources.
How to talk to the hesitant
Regardless of the specific concern, there are three strategies to always keep in mind when trying to persuade a hesitant person to get vaccinated.
# 1 Listen first
A good way to approach the situation is to start by asking questions rather than making arguments or building a case. Humility is key when trying to convince someone of something, especially a loved one. Really try to ask, listen and understand what someone's thoughts are. Bringing a genuine sense of respect and curiosity makes it much more likely that someone will share their concerns.
#2 Separate the person from their decision
It is possible to feel and express unconditional love for someone while also having great disagreement with their judgments and behavior. You can have a set of feelings about who they are and a different set of feelings about what they do. It's okay to keep those feelings separate.
#3 Don't try to control others
Leaving the desire to control other people, especially family members, allows us to love them for who they are, no matter how much we disagree with their actions. If we separate those two things, we can sometimes avoid the heated conflicts that can cause people to get in the way. If it is not possible to persuade someone to get vaccinated, it may be necessary to set limits.
If their decisions pose a health risk to you, you may want to say something along the lines of, "I love you and I wish we could spend time together, but for now I need to think about my own health." "Looking forward to seeing you and it's not personal." Sometimes this gives people the space to think and reconsider their decision.
