Even though it is important to address questions, never underestimate the power of listening. Willingness to listen to concerns will play a major role in building trust in the home visitor and their recommendations. Establishing trusting relationships is about having an honest conversation where mutual trust and respect is shared; one that focuses on what the family wants. This shows a genuine interest in wanting to assist them toward their goal.40
Ultimately trust is the driving force behind vaccine acceptance
Vaccine acceptance involves multiple levels of trust. There must be:
Successful motivational interviewing integrates the desire to cultivate a partnership between the home visitor and the family, while ensuring the family has the final say in autonomy.38 This is particularly important for marginalized communities and populations affected by systemic racism (where autonomy may already feel affected)
For more tips and research on navigating vaccine conversations and creating an environment of vaccine confidence, review the following links:
Want to see vaccine communication and motivational interviewing in action?
MDHHS MIHP has created a whole training course around Immunization Communication for Maternal Infant Health Program providers.
To access the course, go to MiHealth Course. Login and search “Immunization Communication for Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP) providers”, Catalog ID: M0102.Register for the course and begin your review. For specific motivational interviewing interactive, access Module 4.
