This briefing is for immunologists who would like to engage with the public around the topic of vaccinations. The aim of these tips is to encourage immunologists to have the confidence to talk about vaccines with a wide range of audiences in a context of public engagement e.g. during a science festival related activity, online engagement on social media, talking to family and friends, sharing information with communities.
Top tips
-
Do your research. Read and familiarise yourself with the BSI vaccine guides, including ‘A guide to vaccinations for COVID-19’, 'A guide to childhood vaccinations' and 'A guide to vaccinations for adults over 65', and prepare with how to deal with different types of questions that the pubic may have.
-
Understand how different communities need different approaches for effective conversations. Read up on latest evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Research around identifying ways to improve vaccine uptake in certain groups and reduce inequalities.
-
Listen to concerns, acknowledge the concerns and where possible find common ground. Try to relate to the person as much as possible, be empathetic. If comfortable and appropriate, share your own experience or concerns.
-
It’s likely that people will ask you directly if you have had any vaccines, be ready to discuss your personal thoughts. Be honest and personable, state clearly your reasons and motives.
- Don’t take anything personally and avoid being confrontational. Don’t make assumptions. It’s natural for people to have questions and concerns and everyone has different levels of knowledge.
- Acknowledge known side effects of vaccines but remind the public of the overwhelming benefit of preventing serious diseases by vaccinations. Most of the side effects of vaccination are mild and do not last long. Talk about how the world eradicated smallpox (and almost polio) through mass vaccination.
- Be prepared to have more general conversations about how vaccines work and immunity. Use BSI vaccine resources as a tool to discuss vaccines in general.
- Many questions may be around policy on vaccine development, approval, schedule or public health campaigns. Look at what’s in the media and headlines to understand what types of questions may come up and check the BSI's latest press releases. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know. The worst thing to do would be to give the wrong information. If you don’t know, be honest and point in the direction of appropriate resources.
- Don’t overload with facts. Avoid using jargon and keep your language plain and accessible. Facts can be easily forgotten but if you tell a simple and clear story with distinctive details, this can be more memorable.
- You are not there to give medical advice. Unless you are clinically trained, you should not attempt to answer clinical questions and should make it clear that you are not a medical doctor. You are there to give reliable information with as much relevance to the immune system as possible. Any questions asking for clinical advice should be acknowledged and pointed in the direction of appropriate resources. If anyone brings up any particular medical issues, you can suggest that they visit their GP.
- If you find yourself in a conversation about anti-vax sentiment, ask them why they think ‘X’? Where did they hear this? What would make them change their mind or what evidence would convince them? Acknowledge what they have told you and communicate what you know or provide appropriate resources. It’s OK to end the conversation if you feel uncomfortable but always be polite.
- Be genuine. The public will get to see that scientists are just human, and they will feel empowered with their new knowledge. This will all contribute to improved public health.