One of the most powerful ways to convince someone to get vaccinated is for a person they trust and respect to take the time and have that complicated conversation with them.
We know these conversations can be daunting, so we consulted Marie McCormack, MD, Primary Care Division Chief at Renown, about the six best ways to approach and frame these conversations to be productive and effective.
1. Be firm, but not aggressive.
2. Listen to what they have to say, and don’t assume you know why they haven't gotten the vaccine yet. 3. Cater your responses to their concerns. The CDC even has a helpful reference table identifying main reasons people are not getting vaccinated.
If they are scared, offer to go with them.
If they are not worried about getting sick, explain that they are more at risk of infecting those around them who are more likely to have a severe reaction to the virus.
If they don’t know how to make an appointment, help them find the most convenient time and place for their schedule.
If they are worried about how fast the vaccine was developed, remind them that the mRNA technology used in these vaccines has been studied for years.
If they are worried the vaccine will affect fertility, tell them that in August the CDC officially recommended that pregnant people can get vaccinated.
Vaccinated people are nearly five times less likely to get infected, according to the CDC.
Vaccinated people are 10 times less likely to get so sick they ended up in the hospital, according to the CDC.
5. Remind them of all the things they might not be able to do if they aren't vaccinated.
Attend concerts or sporting events
Travel
Potentially even keep their job
6. When all else fails, use the tough love approach. Tell these people you don’t feel comfortable meeting with them in person until they are vaccinated.
Remember the 2000s era iPhone commercial with the “There’s an App for That” tagline? Let’s put a healthcare spin on that – at Renown Health, there’s a unit for that. Emergency, labor and delivery, pediatric acute care, trauma, surgery, the list goes on.
When it comes to critical care, your mind probably jumps to either the intensive care unit (ICU), emergency room (ER) or a unit that provides care for a more standard hospitalization. But what about the patients who fall in between those two levels of care?
Yep, there’s a unit for that at Renown, too. It’s called the Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU), located on the sixth floor of the Tahoe Tower (T6) at Renown Regional Medical Center, boasting a dedicated team of nurses, physicians, critical care technicians and more.
The IMCU cares for patients who still need close monitoring and specialized care but don't need an ICU stay. Everyone in this department shares common missions: catch early signs of change, intervene swiftly and help patients progress to a lower level of care – and eventually, back home.
Workplace Violence in Healthcare: A Call for Kindness and Action
Many people are fortunate enough not to have to worry about their physical and mental well-being when they go to work. Unfortunately, this is not the case for countless healthcare workers across the nation, for whom workplace violence is a daily concern.
Renown volunteers generously provide their time, talent and support to those in need across Renown Health. This month, in celebration of National Volunteer Month, we want to recognize the incredible contributions of our volunteers who serve in various roles, from providing healing music or haircuts to offering companionship with friendly pets and more.
Join us as we celebrate the hundreds of Renown volunteers who dedicate their time daily, exploring several unique roles in the Q&A below:
