Five Ways to Convince Patients they Need Flu Shots

Lynda Lampert, RN

Patients, especially chronically ill patients, need flu shots, but many in the general public have an open distrust for this vital vaccine. In fact, some people reject all vaccines, and that's a different issue entirely. Flu shots are still important, and some members of the public take a little convincing to get them to accept the shot. There are a great deal of myths and misconceptions about this shot, and some patients believe the hype.

As nurses, we have to try to do what's best for the patient, and sometimes that means educating about those myths. Of course, we could never force someone to take a shot that they are dead set against, but the persuasion of education may be enough to allow them to see that the need for the shot. If you come up against a patient who is chronically ill that refuses a shot, here are a few strategies to combat the myths they may believe.

Explain How Flu Shots are Created

Some patients do not understand exactly what the flu shot is, and this can lead to distrust and refusal. It helps to explain to them that it is an amalgamation of the various flu strains thought to be active for the coming season. You can also use this information to help explain why the shot needs to be performed every year. The flu strains change, and the new vaccine differs every year.

It helps to explain the flu and get patients to understand that it can knock them out for weeks. Emphasizing that the people in charge of creating the vaccine make it as safe as possible, but it isn't a guarantee against getting the flu. Some strains pop up every year that can infect even patients who have gotten the shot. Once this is explained, some patients are more open to the idea of getting a flu shot.

Emphasize Safety of Flu Shots

Flu shots are generally considered safe. You can use this information to educate the patient that they are better off with it than without it. Of course, there is often local irritation where the shot is administered, but most people don't tend to have reactions to the shot itself. The vaccine is rigorously tested for safety, and the possibility of a reaction is minimal.

You may also find patients who are afraid of getting a shot. It helps to explain that the shot only hurts for a minute, though they may have soreness later. The shot goes into the deltoid, an IM shot, and these are usually more painful than others. Explain that they will feel some discomfort at first, but it quickly goes away. Usually, the benefits of the flu shot are far more important than the momentary pain that some patients experience.

Assure Them They Won't Get the Flu from the Shot

One of the most prevalent myths about the flu shot is that it gives you the flu. This keeps more patients away from the shot than any other excuse. It is your job to explain to them that the preparation is a dead one. This means that the virus isn't active and helps the immune system recognize and destroy the virus when it comes around to infect.

Some patients do get the flu after a flu shot, but this is usually because they were already infected when they got the shot. In this case, it is difficult to convince the patient that the shot didn't lead to their symptoms. If you were the patient, you would have a hard time believing it, too. Tell the patient that getting the shot as early in the season as possible will prevent this phenomenon, but it is still possible.

Educate about Symptoms of Flu

Those who refuse the flu shot should be told the symptoms for several reasons. First, it is more likely that they can get the flu without the shot, and they should know what to look for in case they do become infected. Second, they may decide to have the shot once they realize how miserable it is to actually have the flu. The public is not usually educated about the signs and symptoms of the flu, and they may change their mind once they know.

You should tell them to watch for high fever, over 101 degrees F. The symptoms of the flu often are confused with that of the common cold. Stuffy head, congested chest, and muscle aches are all common symptoms. The difference is that the flu is generally more severe and lasts for a longer time. While the cold can last for a few days, the flu can linger for weeks, and this can cause inconvenience and health problems for the patient.

Explain the Complications of Flu

Healthy people do not usually suffer complications of the flu. Yes, they are miserable, can't go to work, and generally inconvenienced, but it doesn't descend into a medical crisis. This isn't true for those who are very young, very old or have a chronic disease. The immune system in these patients is not generally as robust, and this means that the flu can take hold and lead to further problems.

The most common problem that arises from the flu is the manifestation of pneumonia. In those with a compromised respiratory system, pneumonia can lead to a stay in the hospital and possibly a trip to the ICU. Even those with diabetes are at risk for the condition developing into pneumonia because of the general decrease in immune function due to high blood sugars. For the very young and the very old, pneumonia can be devastating and particularly hard to treat. Explaining these complications can help to convince even the most recalcitrant patient to accept the vaccination.