NOT SURE HOW TO TALK WITH VACCINE HOLDOUTS IN YOUR LIFE?

PRACTICE WITH THIS CHATBOT.

More than 60 percent of adults have taken at least one COVID-19 shot. President Biden has set a goal of reaching 70 percent of adults by July 4. Getting to 70 percent and more of the population taking the vaccine poses many challenges, among them are nding people who are unable to leave their home; making vaccination convenient for people; and overcoming some people being nervous about needles. The biggest challenge may be encouraging vaccine “holdouts” to take the shot. There are many reasons why people are hesitant, but generally speaking, holdouts fall into four broad categories:

THE WATCHFUL. These people are waiting to see what happens next.

THE COST-ANXIOUS. They want the vaccine but can’t afford the time or cost.

THE SYSTEM DISTRUSTERS. This group feels that the health care system doesn’t treat them fairly.

THE COVID-19 SKEPTICS. This group doesn’t believe the threat.

You probably know one or more of these types of people. Some may be among your co-workers or even close friends and family members. It’s important to remember that how we talk to them can make a difference in whether they decide to take the vaccine. Vaccine holdouts are not new. There have always been people reluctant to take any kind of vaccine, but with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout we are learning more and more about having effective conversations with them. One thing research is highlighting during this time is that many common persuasive styles—commanding, advising, lecturing, and shaming—not only do not work but also often backre. Recently, The New York Times featured a “chatbot” that allows us to practice how we might respond when talking with a vaccine holdout. Chatbots are an articial intelligence (AI) software that can simulate a conversation (or a chat) with a user in natural language through messaging and mobile apps or the telephone. The NYT-featured chatbot guides us through a potential conversation and shows which responses are more effective in encouraging people to get vaccinated. Want to give it a try? You can nd it here: https://nyti.ms/3bSVyyS. We encourage you to use the chatbot to practice your conversation and then try having one with a friend who is still not sure about the vaccine. If we all have at least one good conversation with a holdout, we’ll have a better chance of reaching a 70 percent vaccination rate by July 4.

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TEAM PFIZER OR TEAM MODERNA? EITHER WAY, DO NOT SKIP THE SECOND DOSE! Both the Pfizer and Moderna
vaccines are “two-dose” vaccines; they require two shots to be the most effective. Studies are showing these
vaccines to be over 90 percent effective in protecting us from COVID-19. However, some people are skipping their
second dose—they forget, there is a scheduling mishap, or they think one dose is enough. It’s important to take
both doses for all the reasons we take the rst: to protect ourselves against COVID-19; to protect the community;
and so we can get back to safely seeing our friends and family. The recommended time between doses is three weeks
for the Pzer vaccine and four weeks for the Moderna. However, the Centers for Disease Control says you have as
many as six weeks to get your second dose and still get the full effect. So do not skip that second dose! If you miss
your scheduled shot, nd some time, reschedule, and get your second shot.

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