The Turnstone: talking about vaccines #20
The Turnstone: talking about vaccines #20
Maintaining perspective during the holiday period
Welcome to The Turnstone: talking about vaccines. Here, I share resources to help you have kind and non-judgemental conversations with people who are uncertain about, or opposed to, vaccination.
As the Omicron variant spreads, many people overseas are facing increased restrictions as they move into the Christmas and New Year season. Here in New Zealand, we are better off, but it's still an uncertain time for many. It is particularly difficult for those who have close friends and family members who remain unvaccinated or who are following conspiracy theories. Some people are having to make hard decisions to protect the health of those who are particularly vulnerable.
To help us all maintain perspective in our conversations about vaccination, this week I've selected a few of the best resources from the last few months. If you are having difficult conversations this Christmas, New Year and holiday season, I hope that these are some help.
Basic principles for having a kind and non-judgemental conversation about vaccines (3 minute read)
People don’t care what you know until they know you care.
How to talk about COVID-19 vaccines with friends and family
Summary on how to talk with friends and family about vaccination (4 minute read)
A gentle explanation of how to have a kind and non-judgemental conversation with someone who is uncertain or sharing disinformation.
How to talk to loved ones who are vaccine hesitant | The Spinoff
Maintaining relationships with people who are following conspiracy theories (10 minute read)
Based mainly on the work of Mick West of Metabunk website.
Conspiracy theories from a health perspective (11 minute read)
This article includes some guidance for looking after yourself if you are dealing with people who are following conspiracy theories.
The Psychology Behind Conspiracy Theories (healthline.com)
Interview with Lee McIntyre about talking to people who don't accept science (14 minute video)
For those needing to talk with people who follow conspiracy theories, this interview gives an introduction to the work of Lee McIntyre, who studies and writes about philosophy and ethics in science.
Link to interview "How Do You Talk To People Who Deny Science"?
TED talk from Heidi Larson, Director of the Vaccine Confidence Project (15 minute video).
Heidy Larson has a lifetime of experience communicating with people about vaccines, working with groups such as UNICEF, GAVI (the Vaccine Alliance) and the World Health Organisation.
Link to Heidy Larson's TED talk on the TED website
That’s all from me until January 16th 2022. I hope you have a safe and happy break over Christmas and the New Year.