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 | Â | 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†|