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PLEASE will you all remember that the worst way to get someone to listen to you about the science behind vaccines is to call them stupid or hysterical. If you really want to help, put your ego aside and make the effort to have a normal, respectful conversation.
A good frame for a persuasive and respectful conversation is:
ASK what their concerns are
ACKNOWLEDGE what their concerns are
REFRAME things in a way which acknowledges their concerns and puts your view across.
ASK what their concerns are
ACKNOWLEDGE what their concerns are
REFRAME things in a way which acknowledges their concerns and puts your view across.
So it could be:
You: "What's really worrying you about this?"
Them: "Scientists have got this wrong in the past and sometimes they lie. Look at Thalidomide."
You: "Yes. That was absolutely terrible and it can be difficult to trust after things like that happened"
You: "What's really worrying you about this?"
Them: "Scientists have got this wrong in the past and sometimes they lie. Look at Thalidomide."
You: "Yes. That was absolutely terrible and it can be difficult to trust after things like that happened"
"However, because of such terrible things like Thalidomide, the medical and research community learned lessons. Things are much more rigorously tested now and this vaccine is really no risk. Doing some reading on the NHS site, or asking your GP or nurse, might help you see how."
When it comes to fake news, criticise the SOURCE, not them for believing it, and talk them through the reasons certain groups want to stir up panic over vaccines. It can be difficult to counter fake news quickly. But keep trying as over time you can.
