Unless you live under a hole, you are aware that the world is currently dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and so far, researchers and health practitioners have come up with several vaccines.
Although some of the vaccines have been proven to reduce the severity of the virus, some people are still against getting vaccinated.
Well, to help you understand and overcome your concerns about getting the vaccine, we share some of the benefits you stand to gain from being vaccinated. Shall we start?
What is the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Currently, three Covid-19 vaccines have been approved by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention. The vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective. The vaccine benefits include:
Protects people from the severe effects of the Covid-19 virus.
Help manage the spread of the virus.
Minimize hospitalization cases.
The CDC recommends that one gets both shots of the vaccine since it is given in two doses. Although the vaccines are not 100% effective, they are better than not getting vaccinated as they significantly reduce the chances of getting severely ill.
Is the Covid-19 Vaccine Worth It?
The virus has paralyzed a lot of business operations and changed many lives. Some have lost their loved ones and others are suffering from the effects of the pandemic. The vaccine gives you an extra layer of protection and prevents severe effects.
Are There Any Side Effects of Getting Vaccines?
A lot of people are concerned about the side effects of getting vaccinated. Below, we share some of the side effects and possible ways to manage them.
Pain on the arm.
Swelling
Redness
Headaches
Nausea
Chills
Fatigue
According to the CDC, these side effects are expected and will only last for a while. If you have been hesitant to get the Covid-19 vaccine, you can rest assured that these side effects will fade within a few days.
Tips to Manage the Side Effects
If you experience pain in your arm after getting a vaccine shot, you should place a cool towel around the area. A wet towel can reduce any inflammation and redness. It also eases the pain.
You can also try to do some arm exercises to reduce any numbness.
If you experience headaches, fever, or nausea, you should take a lot of fluids.
Dress lightly and take walks to activate your muscles.
Strategies to Deal With Hesitation
As a medical practitioner, you will find that people are against getting the Covid-19 vaccine even though they are entirely safe and effective. To help people make up their minds, you can employ the below strategies.
Educate
One of the main reasons people are hesitant is because of a lack of information or misinformation. If people do not understand what the vaccines are all about, they will be skeptical about getting vaccinated.
Webinars, training, and seminars will come in handy to explain more about the vaccine. Once those against vaccination have their questions answered, they are more likely to take the next step and get vaccinated.
People who have taken the vaccine can also be part of the program to assure them that it is totally safe.
Monitor and Evaluate Social Media
In this age of social media, information spreads like lightning. It is important to monitor the kind of information shared on social sites and evaluate the claims.
If the claims are untrue, take the necessary steps to refute and back them up with facts. Addressing issues before they become unmanageable prevents further damage.
Build Trust
All vaccine-related information lies in the medical field. If members of the public do not trust medical practitioners, there might be a problem administering the vaccines. It is why a trusting relationship must be built. Assure them that you have their best interests at heart.
Once people feel cared for, they are more likely to trust you and the information you provide. The hesitancy levels will soon come down.
Bottom Line
Educating the public and building trust with the public can help deal with Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy.
Hesitation majorly comes from misinformation or a lack of credible sources. Once you bridge that gap, you are in a better position to get more people vaccinated.
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