PHARMACISTS are universally supportive of the science behind vaccination programs and occasionally are asked how to handle a friend or relative who is anti-vaccination or antiscience/conspiracy theory oriented.
University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Professor Julie Leask, and Macquarie University PhD candidate Maryke Steffens have penned a useful article, 4 ways to talk with vaccine skeptics and published in The Conversation.
With a recurring theme of keep-your-cool, the authors stress the value of maintaining valued relationships throughout their research-based recommendations.
The first option is to not even go there - this means if one encounters a person with fixed beliefs, little is gained by engaging.
This approach is particularly relevant to social media forums, where entering into the discussion may actually give the anti-vax movement more exposure.
Secondly, where the discussion is in the context of a friends or family event, when people hold strong views on either side, again very little is gained by presenting the science.
These relationships are important and respect for each person at the event may lead one to say something like, "This is a topic we all have strong views about. We could just argue, but I propose that we leave this one alone."
Thirdly, where relationships are again important, but one may feel strongly about advocating, a simple statement of affirmation about one's own commitment to vaccination, without condemnation of others' views, is more effective.
In the case of close relatives being misled by the antivax/conspiracy theorists, the article's authors recommend understanding people's concerns and motivations, affirming them as parents, offering to share information and closing with an open door plan saying something like, "Can we talk about this again some time?"
In conclusion, Leask and Steffens warn, "Jump in without thinking, and you risk wasting your time, affecting relationships with family and friends, or even inadvertently amplifying anti-vaccine views.
"Instead, assess that person's position on vaccination, your goals and what is most important in your relationship."
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