A fact sheet for health care providers to give to patients that addresses common concerns about flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines.
It’s normal for patients to have questions and concerns about vaccines. Use this fact sheet to help address common concerns you might hear from your patients about influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines.
Helpful Tips:
- Your patients may have inaccurate information about vaccines or feel strongly about them. Listen to their questions and comments with empathy. Validating their emotions helps build connection and trust.
- Ask open-ended questions to explore how your patients feel. This encourages two-way conversation and helps you understand their concerns.
- Give your patients a strong recommendation to get vaccinated. Use the talking points below to help your patients understand why you are recommending vaccines and to give them the facts they need to find their own reasons to get vaccinated.
- Remind patients of the vaccine benefits: Vaccines help them risk less and do more.
Common Concerns | Talking Points |
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Flu vaccines cause the flu. |
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I got a flu vaccine last year. Why do I need one again? |
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I never get the flu, so why should I get the flu vaccine? |
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COVID-19 vaccines cause long-term side effects. |
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I already got a COVID-19 vaccine. |
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I thought that COVID-19 was over! Why should I keep getting COVID-19 vaccines? |
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RSV vaccines are too new and haven’t been studied enough. |
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Can I get more than one of these vaccines at the same time? |
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