News and Reviews

How to broach the sensitive question of COVID vaccination status

Published

3 years ago

20 October 2021

JeffG

How to broach the sensitive question of COVID vaccination status

Over the next couple of months, there will be a need to navigate conversations and questions that we have probably never thought about before – about someone’s COVID vaccination status.

While the numbers of those fully vaccinated continue to rise around Australia, a sizeable proportion of the population still remain unvaccinated. Children 12 and over can now get the jab, but kids under 12 remain unvaccinated for now.

It’s reassuring to know that children appear to be less likely to be hospitalised with COVID compared to adults, but children are getting COVID – often due to transmission in the household, from an infected adult.

Researchers say the best way to protect younger kids, and adults, from COVID is to ensure as many adults as possible are fully vaccinated.

Dr Ashneeta Prasad, a clinical psychology registrar from UNSW’s School of Psychology, says for many families, knowing the parents of their child’s friends are vaccinated may provide them with some sense of peace. But the choice to ask another person about their vaccination status is ultimately up to the parent/adult. “Over the last few months, it appears we as a country have been shifting our approach from eliminating cases to learning to live with COVID-19 as vaccination rates increase,” Dr Prasad says. “During this transition, some families may view asking about vaccination status as a useful way to manage their residual concerns about COVID-19 circulating within the community as we learn to navigate the post-lockdown world.”

Infectious disease social scientist from UNSW’s School of Population Health, Associate Professor Holly Seale is a parent of two children under the age of 10 years. She says it’s important to have these discussions with adults before catching up with them, or parents prior to having a playdate. “I have never previously asked a parent about whether their children are vaccinated prior to playdates,” she says. “I do make some assumptions that those within my close network have vaccinated their children. Sometimes this is easy to work out due to the child’s attendance at childcare which requires vaccination. I have also been in situations where parents have told me their children are unvaccinated unprompted, to allow me the opportunity to navigate whether I want our children to play together.”

Dr Prasad says before approaching conversations about vaccination status with other parents/caregivers or adults, it’s helpful to first consider what boundaries you are wanting to uphold. She says some things to
consider would be: whether you require one or both (if applicable) parents/caregivers to be vaccinated;; and whether your boundaries vary depending on the setting, duration, or type of activity.
A/Prof Seale agrees with this approach. “If the family has a child over the age of 12 that has not received their vaccine, will you proceed with catching up?,” she says. “Perhaps you may be more comfortable sticking to outdoor activities.”

Dr Prasad says when initiating a conversation about vaccination status, it can be useful to frame the question within the broader context of why it is being asked. “This could begin with expressing relief that some gatherings are now possible and mentioning how you have been looking forward to socialising in person,” she says. “Then you could disclose that you may still have lingering concerns about COVID-19 circulating within the community and to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy, you are trying to ensure that the people you are meeting up with in person are vaccinated. Providing this bigger picture before explicitly asking someone if they are vaccinated can help ease them into the conversation and promote more open and respectful communication.”

A/Prof. Seale points to a recent piece in The Conversation which highlights that offering your own vaccine status first may help break the ice. “This is a logical step as it supports setting the social norm,” she says. “As part of this process, you can acknowledge that it is a strange or difficult time. It’s important to be clear and transparent about why you are asking and be open to finding alternative options or delaying the catch up until later in the year.”

But what if some people decline to answer? “It is important that we don’t assume that they are vaccine refusers but instead may have a health condition that means they are unable to get vaccinated or they are still trying to navigate their decision around the vaccine,” A/Prof Seale says.

If the answer is no, it is helpful to be honest and transparent about your views while remaining respectful, Dr Prasad says. “You could begin with describing the situation and respectfully acknowledging that there appears to be a difference in both parties are managing their approaches to COVID-19,” she says. “You could then follow up by calmly reinforcing your preferences in this situation. Try your best to use ‘I’ statements that frame your decision to delay or abstain from in person meetings as a personal choice made for yourself, rather than a consequence of the other person’s vaccination status”.

It is possible that these conversations could elicit feelings of rejection or embarrassment, so it can be helpful to remain sensitive to their feelings, she says. “If possible, acknowledge and validate their feelings: for example, “I understand if this is upsetting or frustrating for you”, and avoid using blaming or accusatory language which can cause tensions to escalate further.”

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News and Reviews

Dive into the Latest Northern Rivers Times Edition

Published

2 days ago

23 April 2024

JeffG

Dive into the Latest Northern Rivers Times Edition

Catch up with the heart of Northern Rivers through in-depth articles and community highlights in our newest issue. Northern Rivers community news.

The Northern Rivers Times is thrilled to announce that our latest edition is available. Find your copy at local newsagents, Woolworths supermarkets, Ampol, and EG service stations, as well as various general and rural stores throughout the region.
This week’s issue is rich with content that touches every corner of local life, from environmental initiatives to exciting community events. Here’s a preview of the engaging stories and reports you can expect:
• Charity in Action: TV Star Lucinda Lights Up Byron Coastal Charity Walk
• Honouring Heroes: Comprehensive Guide to Anzac Day Services Across the Region
• Political Landscape: Ballina Greens Reveal Slate for 2024 Local Elections
• Infrastructure Updates: Progress on Ballina Bridges Duplication Enhances Flood Resilience
• Environmental Concerns: Latest Fish Kill Signals Ongoing River Health Issues
• Green Initiatives: Wollongbar TAFE’s Horticultural Insights
• Community Support: Lifeline’s New Warehouse and Store Opening in Goonellabah
• Environmental Advocacy: Byron Shire’s ‘The Drain is for Rain’ Campaign
• Cultural Celebrations: Casino Beef Week’s Breakfast with the Butchers
• Development News: Casino’s $14 Million Equestrian Centre Unveiled
• Conservation Efforts: Clarence Property Commences Approved Ecological Works
• Safety Measures: New SMS Alert System for Tyalgum Road amidst Ongoing Repairs
• Heroic Rescues: Man Rescued by Marine Volunteers after Brunswick Bar Incident
• Social Issues: Spotlight on Youth Homelessness
Beyond these features, our edition includes a wide range of sections designed to cater to diverse interests within our community, from cooking and gardening to real estate and senior activities. Enjoy puzzles, a detailed TV guide, travel features, and much more.
We are dedicated to keeping you informed and entertained with well-rounded coverage that celebrates and supports our vibrant Northern Rivers community. Pick up your copy of the Northern Rivers Times and stay connected with the stories that matter to you.

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News and Reviews

New development planned for Woolgoolga Retirement Village

Published

1 week ago

17 April 2024

Liam

New development planned for Woolgoolga Retirement Village

Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd are taking steps to add a collection of modern retirement residences and amenities to their village in High Street. They are in the early phase of planning a new development to be called Callisto Coastal Retirement.

Sasha Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd is excited about the plans. “We are very proud to be adding Callisto Coastal Retirement to our community.” Ms Andrews said. “We are part of a great community in a fantastic location and aim to set the benchmark for premium retirement living in Woolgoolga.”

At this early stage, they are keen to get input from the local community of future residents to help create the perfect coastal retirement. A Feedback Forum is being offered to eligible potential residents aged 55+, providing an opportunity to learn more, convey their thoughts, ideas and insights around design and services, features, amenities and priorities.

The new development has the support of the Board of Directors of the not-for-profit, community owned organisation. Chairperson, Ian Wade said “Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village has played an important role in the community for many years and we want to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of our seniors for years to come. We have a great opportunity to provide quality retirement living, built with future residents in mind.”

A community Feedback Forum is planned for Tuesday 7 May. For details and to register to attend, go to the website here. For more on the Woolgoolga Retirement Village, visit here.

For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.

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Lismore News

Memory Run Walk Jog – My Way Lismore

Published

1 week ago

17 April 2024

JeffG

Memory Run Walk Jog – My Way Lismore

Albert Park Baseball Grounds

Keen Street Lismore
8am Sunday 19th May 2024

Join a fun community activity to fundraise and raise dementia awareness. Last year, more than 10,000 people walked, jogged and ran in cities and towns across Australia for people impacted by dementia. Dementia awareness

Lismore events include a 10km run, a 5km jog/walk or a 1km walk so that the day is inclusive of all levels of physical ability.

There will be information stalls providing details of supports, local resources and services to help those impacted by dementia, as well as food and drinks.

Form a team from your workplace, local club, friends or family (dress up to make it fun!) and enter the 1km walk, 5km jog/walk or a 10km run. Get lots of sponsors!

To register a team or take part as an individual go to:
www.memorywalk.com.au/event/lismore-myway

Dementia awareness

Currently, dementia is the leading cause of death in women and overall, it is the second leading cause of death for all Australians. In 2024, it is estimated that more than 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia.

Dr Jones says ‘The ageing population in the Northern Rivers is growing at an exponential rate. Our region is one of the highest ageing communities in NSW and this comes with increasing rates of those impacted by dementia in our community. I’m quite keen to see that we adopt more preventable approaches against dementia in our region’. Dementia awareness

Dr Jones says ‘There are many things we can do to prevent dementia or delay your risk of developing dementia. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, in particular regular exercise can make a significant difference’.

“We encourage the whole community to come together, not only to raise money for
Dementia Australia, but also to exercise together and to fight this disease” says Dr Jones.

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