The world is grappling with an aggressive virus, a stuttering economy, and silent responses to protests. That must mean it’s the perfect time to promote the COVID-19 vaccine.
As nurses, we have influence. We have the voices and the platform to influence today what happens tomorrow. There are over one hundred COVID-19 vaccines in production and twenty of them have moved on to clinical trials. Things are moving fast. Here’s how nurses can help.
1. Understand the Immune System As It Relates to Vaccines
The human immune system is immense and complex. But if you have a basic understanding of the immune system, you can understand the evidence behind vaccine effectiveness and safety.
The immune system has the remarkable ability to recognize what is you and what is not you. It’s ability to remember, find, and attack millions of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi is why the human race hasn’t died out. It should be noted that as amazing as the immune system is, it is vulnerable and can miss its target at times, crippling humans with autoimmune diseases such as allergies or arthritis.
Through the use of its main organs–thymus, spleen, lymphatic tissue, and bone marrow–the immune system stockpiles an arsenal of cells. This elite system is efficient, storing a minimal number of each kind of different cell needed to remember the million various enemies. When a threat emerges, the few cells mount a full-scale response to defend the body and kill the invaders. When the job is done, they fade away leaving a few sentries behind to stand guard. It’s quite impressive.
Where do vaccines come in?
Conventional vaccines depend on a response from the immune system to work. When injected into the body, select pieces of a virus find their way inside cells. The immune system wakes up, recognizing the molecules of those pieces as antigens, or threats. The immune system creates antibodies to find and fight the virus.
A vaccine is like a dress rehearsal. Once the immune system has practiced recognizing and responding to a virus, it remembers how to do it again when the real invader shows up, stopping future infections.
2. Learn About the Impact Genetic Engineering is Having on Vaccines
A genetically engineered vaccine contains the DNA or RNA (molecules that hold genetic instructions) of the enemy pathogen–the same enemies we pointed out above. When the DNA-plasmid or RNA are injected into the body, it is taken up by the cells and the body naturally synthesizes the genetic code in the plasmid.
But wait! When the DNA or RNA proteins begin sprouting characteristics of bacteria or viruses, the immune system is alerted: foreign body on board! An immune response is triggered and the war begins.
Scientists have been using the gene-based vaccines for a while and have found some success for use in veterinary medicine. To date, no genetically engineered vaccines have been approved for human use. However, the technology is in place and genetically engineered vaccines hold great promise for speeding up the creation of a COVID-19 vaccine.
3. Advocate Vaccines Without Promoting Vaccines
It is imperative to begin the conversation about vaccines today. There is a haze of vaccine hesitancy in the world that needs an anchor. Concerns about safety, choice, and even the very need for vaccination are front and center in many people’s minds. Our responses at this time are crucial.
Know Your Numbers
Vaccine safety is everyone’s concern. The best thing you can do is know where to find the information you need to share with patients who ask questions about vaccine safety. The best resource is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For information about the safety of specific vaccines or vaccine reaction rates, visit the CDC’s Vaccine Safety Resource for Healthcare Providers.
Don’t bother memorizing statistics, because you don’t want to throw numbers at your patients. However, you do want to know the facts. You can share facts because facts inform patients but when you spout statistics, you’re more likely to alienate vs educate. Share CDC resources with your patients when they ask for details.
Avoid Politics and Arguments
It is nearly impossible to have a conversation about vaccines without common arguments about links to autism or other disease coming up. These issues can quickly turn toward violation of individual rights or spike political tensions.
Since arguments and political discussions do not often lead to new knowledge, here are a few ways to overcome misconceptions and promote understanding of vaccines.
Use Pro-vaccine Verbiage. When the topic of vaccines comes up, assume patients are pro-vaccine then use pro-vaccine phrasing throughout the discussion. Use matter-of-fact statements such as “Your vaccines are up to date, that’s great” or “What specific safety concerns do you have about the new COVID-19 vaccine?”
Pinpoint Objections and Misconceptions. When arguments surface around the issues of vaccines, it’s a good idea to help people discover their specific objections. Statements such as “What specific concerns do you have about the COVID-19 vaccine?” or “Where did you hear this information?” can help patients identify their concerns and help you know what information to make available for them.
Don’t Hesitate to Give Your Recommendation. Using scientific information and sharing your thoughts on the matter can be impactful. The CDC encourages healthcare providers to share their recommendations in a direct manner, such as “I strongly recommend the COVID-19 vaccine. My family and I will be getting it as soon as it’s available.” or “This vaccine is very important to protect you and your family from COVID-19.”
Listen and Respond with Compassion. Sometimes patients just need to talk it out and being heard is part of the process. They will most likely bring up their fears and even their political bend on the topic, but don’t let it incite a riot. This is not the time to make your point regarding vaccine use.
Instead, use this opportunity to really understand their concerns so that you can provide solid, scientifically-based information. People are more likely to accept the educational handout you’re offering when it comes from a place of compassion and care.
It’s important that nurses understand the basics of vaccines but also the future of vaccines. As the creation of a COVID-19 vaccine rushes to the finish line, our patients will have questions. And, in the coming months, as the push to be vaccinated against COVID-19 mounts, nurses are uniquely positioned to educate and inform. Be ready!
