How to Talk to Extended Family About Getting Flu Shots and Vaccines Before the Holidays

The holiday season is here with us. Unfortunately, with the low temperature recorded over this period, there is the possibility of getting the flu. This may be devastating to your loved ones when gathering for the holidays. Luckily, you can protect yourself by getting flu shots and vaccines. 

However, around 60% of Americans still skip getting flu shots, keeping their loved ones, especially their elderly and their kids, at risk. Therefore, it would be best to learn how to convince your extended family about getting flu shots and vaccines. Read on to learn how you can effectively do this. 

Take Time Listening to Them 

Your relatives need to feel that you're considering their opinion if you take the time to listen to them. This will help you relay your message with ease without having them feel as if they're being coerced into getting the shots or as if their opinion is being undermined. 

You can prove that you're listening to their opinion by keeping eye contact, reinstating their questions, and pausing as you prepare for a thoughtful reply. This will help you speak your mind about the shots or vaccines without making your relative feel as if their opinion is being dismissed. 

Maintain Your Passion, but Be Empathetic 

Being empathetic to your extended family's concern about flu vaccine safety is crucial. That's why you should ask open-ended questions and encourage them to speak even when they seem concerned about your insistence on getting the vaccine. 

Make Them Feel Empowered 

Everyone wants to contribute to the community in one way or another. You can use your discussion with your relatives about getting flu shots and vaccines to make them feel empowered about their contribution to the community. Remind them that their decision would help keep their loved one safe, which is part of their contribution towards keeping a safe community, especially over the holidays. 

Acknowledge the Benefits and Risks of Flu Shots 

You must be honest with the known side effects of flu shots, such as getting a fever for children below two years and soreness at the injection site, even when convincing your relatives about its importance. This will help do away with any possibility of mistrust in case they experience these side effects. It would be best if you also reminded them of the benefits of this decision, despite the possible side effects of getting the shot or vaccine. 

Guide Them into Knowing When and Where They Should Get the Shots 

Now, after you’ve discussed it with them, your relatives are a little more interested in getting the shot. You must ensure that they follow through and get the shot or vaccine. If it's your parents or spouse, you can get them an appointment with your primary physician. For your distant relatives, you can schedule an appointment on their behalf and follow them up to ensure that they get their shots on time. 

Get Your Flu Shots and Vaccines with the Help of Senior Helpers Caregivers 

Flu shots and vaccines are ultimately crucial during the cold season. They help keep everyone safe from the flu and minimize the risk of infecting your loved ones. So if you're planning to invite your extended family over the holidays, you should use the above steps to convince them about getting a flu shot or vaccine. 

You can manage this easily with the help of Senior Helpers caregivers in Northwest Indiana. They will help your loved one book an appointment with a doctor and help them manage any potential side effects. For more information about our services, please don't hesitate to contact us.