By Dave Northfield
There’s lots of talk these days about reaching the “vaccine hesitant,” people who haven’t ruled it out but for various reasons have so far resisted getting the shot.
So what’s the best way to have the conversation to get them to yes?
One Medford family physician shared his approach. Dr. Chris Morgan, an Asante internist and pediatrician with 30 years in practice, says he’s had success convincing patients to be vaccinated, which he calls “the most important issue of our time.”
Dr. Morgan starts by showing respect for the patient, many of whom he’s known for decades. “Meet the patient where they are, for whatever reason they came in,” he said. Don’t start right in talking about vaccines, remember that they came in for another reason. “Don’t put your agenda item first. Get their agenda item done first, answer all their questions, and then say ‘Can we talk about the vaccine?’ They’ll know what you’re talking about.”
He says the relationship he’s built with them is the best foundation for having the vaccine conversation. “Talk to them about why they’re there, help them, show them you care, show them that you really do care,” said Dr. Morgan.
For some of the tougher cases, he said he hands them a piece of paper. “I call it my love note. And it basically says to the patient, I’ve been your doctor for X number of years, I’ve been with you through kids, I’ve been with you through divorces or whatever else you have, we’ve done your cholesterol, your other medical issues, this is the most important thing I’ve ever told you, ever.”
He doesn’t say all the words, but the message boils down to “Get vaccinated. I love you, you matter, but get vaccinated.”
What about health care workers and volunteers going door to door now trying to convince people they’ve never met before to get vaccinated? Dr. Morgan is skeptical.
“We’re not going to get any stranger to get anyone that’s in that vaccine hesitant category to change their minds,” he said. “We’re out there attempting to educate people who feel that they’re already educated.”
Dr. Morgan says getting full FDA approval for the vaccines will be very helpful in easing concerns about safety and efficacy. He hopes that will come soon.
There have been plenty of success stories, and “it’s a great feeling” when he is able to convince a patient to be vaccinated. And when that happens, he seizes the moment.
“I’ve driven them to the clinic nearby. I’ve even walked them in, checked them in.”