Interpersonal Communications

Research shows: Unvaccinated children tend to have uneducated mothers – suggests special focus on health education to mothers 2/3 of mothers (rural/urban) confirmed LHWs have talked about vaccination and encouraged them to take children to health facility Parents of unvaccinated children have less exposure to media

Interpersonal Communication Labor intensive, but often most effective method of encouraging participation Planning meetings with community groups and leaders Health workers/field staff/LHWs tell parents about campaign at clinic or in visits to homes prior to campaign Staff need ability to provide accurate information, overcome rumors, and motivate and encourage parents to vaccinate their children

Good communication skills Using Verbal and non verbal communication Effective, "active" listening in which the health worker demonstrates to the parent/caregiver that they are heard and understood; re-phrasing what the child caregiver has said to make sure it is correctly understood; asking open-ended questions. The questions require more than one word answers; making eye contact; Looking at the person when talking to you and showing you interested and showing concern providing complete attention;

Basic Interpersonal Communication skills Using simple clear language or local language Using non-technical words when giving information conveying correct information Greeting people and being courteous Dressing appropriately and respecting the local culture not being rude or showing a bad attitude toward the child caregiver Smiling and being cheerful and ready to help at all times

Basic Interpersonal Communication skills Summarizing to show you have understood Making people comfortable while recording or giving vaccine Answering those questions you know the answer to truthfully; referring to others those questions which you do not know Use of IEC Material

The IPC Do’s heath care providers / Vaccination team members should: DO treat parents with respect DO remain patient with parents, and not get into arguments DO listen to reluctant parents’ concerns or questions DO answer any questions and address concerns with reason DO promise to bring to the attention of higher authorities any non-immunization health issues that they are concerned about

The IPC Don’ts Vaccination team members should never….. NEVER force parents into accepting any form of immunization NEVER be rude to parents because they are not informed or have misconceptions about immunization NEVER Attack a parent’s values NEVER Immunize without consent NEVER Joke that vaccine will make children sick or sterile

Addressing Concerns and Questions

IPC Vaccinators & Mobilizers are health educators Must be equipped to answer the tough questions parents may have ( Approach and Manner) Must be able to provide accurate information

Health Care providers interact with the community ….. Static EPI / fixed sites Out Reach services public places and Health ceners

Barriers to immunization Two Types of Barriers Behavioral Non behavioral

Behavioral barriers Lack of understanding of importance of immunization. Mothers don’t know about immunization schedule. Do not know about subsequent doses. Fears of side effects.. Husband doesn’t want mother to take child for immunization. Mother’s perception of unpleasant treatment at facility Refusal to have child immunized for religious beliefs. Do Not follow immunization schedule properly –

Non-behavioral barriers Families have limited access to immunization services Health facilities are far away Long waits at health facilities Staff absent Lack of vaccine/D. Syringes Inappropriate vaccination timings

Individual Exercise What are some common questions that parents ask about OPV, the polio programme, or routine and other health services? Share your questions and write down the best answers for them.

Possible Questions Does OPV cause children to become sterile? Is the vaccine given only to Muslims or certain groups? Is an infant less than two months old too young to get the vaccine? Is it safe for a sick child to get the vaccine? Why do vaccinators come to deliver OPV when other health concerns are much greater? Why do vaccinators come so often, isn’t so much medicine harmful for the child?

Role Play . Apply good communication skills Parent questions the harmful side effects of the vaccine and is concerned that the child might die if they take the vaccine. / Religious concerns What information shall be given to the mother when she comes to vaccinate her child

Summary Effective Interpersonal Communication is key to address concerns in the community. If interpersonal skills are weak, community concerns cannot be overcome and resistance is likely to increase. In those communities where there is little resistance to immunization, strong interpersonal skills can focus on creating enhanced awareness and demand creation.