Vaccinations - how we can help with anxieties and concerns
20 December 2024
Una Hobson, Immunisation matron at SPFT, has written a blog about anxiety and confusion surrounding vaccines
In clinic, the greatest compliment you can receive as a vaccinator is when somebody who is anxious about having their vaccinations comes and talks through their concerns with us and we look together at what their choices are.
We will always take the time to listen to you and find out what works best for you.
I was in a clinic only this week and met a person who we are currently caring for who was hugely anxious about having their vaccinations.
We talked about their worries as well as what support and approach they needed from me.
Truly, there is no greater privilege then when somebody trusts you to vaccinate them when they find it difficult. It takes enormous bravery to face that fear and entrust yourself to another. The person had their flu jab and was so pleased that they decided to have their Covid jab with me. It absolutely made my day.
We follow a Vaccine Charter which ensures everybody can access vaccinations with us free from prejudice and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Everybody has the right to be given excellent care and be protected from any harm whilst accessing vaccine, to have vaccinators who are fully trained and up to date with all aspects of vaccination, and have access to all required equipment and resources.
Everybody has the right to be heard, treated with kindness and respect at all times and your personal preferences and experiences safeguarded and respected. You have the right to raise any concerns with us at any time.
Each person will be in control of their vaccination experience. We will explicitly seek consent your consent before any vaccination occurs and ensure that you are at the centre of all we do.
Sometimes in clinic we meet people who are truly conflicted about whether to have their vaccinations or not. People sometimes tell us that they are confused or overwhelmed by information they have seen on social media particularly when it is presented by somebody who seems to have a clinical background.
It is often hard to know who or what to believe. You absolutely want to make the right choice for you, your family and those we care for and care about.
Always get your vaccine and health information from trusted sources, such as the NHS, NIHR and World Health Organisation (WHO). The vaccine information on social media may not be based on scientific evidence and could put you and those you care for and care about at risk of a serious illness.
Overwhelming, all the research that has been rigorously examined tells us that getting vaccinated is safer than not getting vaccinated. Therefore, a vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and others against ill health. They prevent millions of deaths worldwide every year.
Rather than not have your vaccinations - do please contact us and we are always really happy to talk through any concerns or questions you may have.
We will only ever support you to make the right decision for you so please contact us via spft.immunisation@nhs.net
If you are a staff member and wish to make a booking to have your vaccinations with us - here is the link