COVID Vaccine Anxiety: What To Do If Your Family Has Opposing Thoughts On Treatment
Almost 20 percent of Americans have expressed concern over getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Some people fear the side effects of a new vaccine. Others have a cultural history of medical discrimination and hold some anxiety about trusting the U.S. government. And still, others have no access or limited means to secure a vaccination.
Your own family may include a mix of those who want to get vaccinated, those who do not, and those who have concerns. What do you do when you have decided to get vaccinated, but members of your family remain undecided or refuse?
Here are four ways to deal with opposing thoughts on COVID vaccines within your family.
1. Talk openly about frustrations.
If you can create an open, non-judgmental space for discussion, each side can speak honestly about their perspective. A loved one who does not want the vaccine will likely have reasons to support their stance. Hear them out, these reasons may include a fear of side effects or compromised safety.
In a space that allows them to voice their concerns, they are more likely to open up without the fear of being dismissed. Moreover, once you can listen without judgment, you can begin to share your stance and address their concerns together.
2. Set boundaries and expect a response.
Family members who don’t want to get vaccinated have less to lose, but for those who do want to get the vaccine or may have already, you may fear coming into contact with a loved one who is not taking the right measures to prevent getting the coronavirus flu.
So if you are vaccinated, you may be faced with having to determine how you will interact with other family members:
Will you feel comfortable around them in close quarters?
How will you keep your distance?
Will you tell them to be sure to wear a mask?
Will you invite them over, or visit them?
Once you have set your boundaries, you can let them know where you stand. Just expect a response that can range from being accepting of the boundaries, or defensive. And be ready to stand firm in what you believe.
3. If you do set boundaries, stick to your script
When it comes to loved ones, it can be difficult saying “no” sometimes. But you have the agency to say “no” to anyone. So write down what you want to say, and practice it so that when you get on the phone, you are prepared and speak fully from your perspective and from an emotionally mature place.
An example of a script might be, “We would love to be there, but we do not want to be exposed. So, we will have to plan to come at a later date.”
4. Don’t express judgment to your family members
While sometimes speaking out and standing up for yourself is important, in the case of vaccinations, expressing negative emotions toward a family member about their decision can backfire.
It will put them on the defense, and not only can they feel rejected, but they most likely will put up a barrier to your words. A helpful action to take would be to focus on sharing your needs rather than their decisions regarding the vaccination.
Getting vaccinated for many is a “no-brainer”, while for others, it may raise a red flag and one’s anxiety levels. A family may be on either side of this issue, with some family members who believe wholeheartedly in getting vaccinated, while others are concerned and may need more information before making the decision.
Hopefully, these tips can provide helpful advice on how to address such a serious and emotionally charged topic as the COVID-19 vaccine. If you would like to know how we can help you navigate and communicate your fears, please read more about anxiety treatment and visit our anxiety therapy page for more information.