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COVID-19 Vaccine: How to talk about COVID-19 Boosters with those you care about this holiday season

talking to family about boosters

Suggestions for having constructive, compassionate conversations with those you care about regarding getting the COVID-19 booster or vaccine.

The holiday season is a time of giving, sharing and caring. VA’s HolidayBoost outreach campaign encourages Veterans to reach out to their military friends, to connect with those they care about during the holidays.

The following will provide some suggestions for having constructive, compassionate conversations with those you care about regarding getting the COVID-19 booster (and/or vaccine). An important part of this conversation is to listen to the other person’s opinions and their concerns, and make sure they feel heard and understood.

Asking open-ended questions, offering your understanding, and empathizing with their concerns can help build trust and help them to consider change. This requires us to accept, without judgment, that our loved ones may have and keep opinions that we disagree with, as well as honor their right to do so.

Follow These 6 Steps to have a Constructive, Compassionate Conversation 1. Ask permission to talk about it. 2. Explore their thinking about the booster (and/or vaccine):

  1. Ask permission to talk about it.
  2. Explore their thinking about the booster (and/or vaccine):
  3. Express understanding for their concerns, acknowledge what they already do to stay safe, and respond to their concerns with empathy.
  4. Ask before offering new information. See if they are open to learning more information about their areas of concern.
  5. Keep the door open for future conversation.
  6. Offer help if they are open to getting a booster (and/or vaccine):

Remember, the holidays are a time when many people feel lonely, while others have a house full of guests. This campaign gives you the opportunity to reach out to those who are lonely and bring a little joy, and at the same time have a constructive, compassionate conversation about getting a booster shot. And, for those with a house full of guests, the conversation about booster shots is just as important to keep everyone safe. Your conversation could truly be the gift of good mental and physical health.

Additional Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots | CDC

Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC

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