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Table 4 Parental position, with the recommendations for each group

From: Communicating with parents about vaccination: a framework for health professionals

Parental position

Key indicators

Goal

Strategies*

   

See also Table3

Unquestioning acceptor

Present for vaccination when it is due

Child vaccinated and parent positive about decision

Build rapport

Cautious acceptor

Child is fully vaccinated to date

 

Accept questions and concerns

   

Use verbal and numerical descriptions of vaccine and disease risks

   

Explain common side effects and rare, important risks

   

Aim to keep discussion brief but flexibly addressing parent’s needs

The hesitant

Present on time or slightly late

Child vaccinated and parent accepts decision

Use guiding style

Late or selective vaccinator

Child is fully or partially vaccinated

This group may need most time but are most likely to change behaviour

Provide risk and benefit information (as above)

 

Present late

 

Use decision aids and other quality information tools

 

Child is partially vaccinated

 

Book another appointment to re-visit discussion

Refuser

Present for another reason. Subject of vaccination may have to be raised by health professional.

Parent prepared to think about vaccination and attend clinic for further discussion

Avoid scientific ‘ping pong’ – debating back and forth about vaccination.

 

Child is partially or completely unvaccinated

Feels concerns heard and not critical of providers

Ask about importance of protecting child against infectious disease and confidence in the vaccine and respond accordingly

  

Parent is aware of the risks of not immunising the child

Explore receptivity to an individualised schedule

   

Aim to keep discussion brief but leaving door open to further discussion if parent is moving towards considering vaccination

   

Offer attendance at special clinic†

  1. * Based on UK vaccination schedule in 2011 [55].