Training for rotavirus vaccine introduction
Module 7
Communicating about rotavirus
vaccine with caretakers
Learning objectives
 At the end of the module, the participant will be
able to:
– Describe how to communicate with caretakers
– Advise caretakers on rotavirus disease and prevention
methods
– Alert caretakers of potential side effects and how to
respond to them
– Provide other messages to caretakers before they
leave the session
 Duration
– 20’
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 13 February 2015
Key issues
1 How to communicate with
caretakers?
2 How to advise on rotavirus
disease and prevention
methods?
3 How to advise on potential
side effects?
4 What other messages to give
caretakers before they leave
the session?
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 13 February 2015
How to communicate with caretakers?
 Be respectful
 Use simple words and avoid technical terms
 Listen to caretaker's concerns
 Made sure the caretaker has understood your key
messages
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 13 February 2015
What is “triple A” communication
with parents?
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Advice
Alert
Arrange
on what is
given
on side effects and
how to respond
for when
to return
Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 13 February 2015
Advice: How to inform about the disease?
 Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever
leading to rapid dehydration
 Rotavirus is found everywhere
– Almost every child in the world will suffer from at least one
infection by the time he or she is three years old
 Rotavirus is not the only cause of diarrhea, but it is one of
the most serious
 Rotavirus infection spreads very quickly
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 13 February 2015
Advice: How to communicate about
diarrhoea prevention methods?
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 13 February 2015
Advice: What is the new rotavirus
vaccine?
 Millions of children have received
rotavirus vaccine in the last 8 years and
the vaccine is considered very safe and
effective
 This vaccine will be given at the same
time as pentavalent vaccine, therefore no
extra visit is required for this vaccine
 Your child can still get diarrhea due to
other infections
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 13 February 2015
Alert: How to respond to side effects?
 Infants may be more irritable and could
have loss of appetite. Some infants may
also experience fever, fatigue, diarrhea,
and vomiting
 After immunization you can give
paracetamol if your infant has fever
(>39˚C)
 If your infant shows any unusual
symptoms take him/her directly to the
hospital
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 13 February 2015
Arrange: When to return?
 Make an appointment for the next dose of rotavirus vaccine
and other vaccines according to the immunization schedule
 Wait at least 4 weeks before next appointment
 Ensure that there is a session on the attributed date
– i.e., no public holiday, weekend, or other event
 Write the date of the next visit on the immunization card
 Remind the caretaker to come on the specified date and to
bring the card
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 13 February 2015
Key messages (1/4)
 Triple A communication - Be respectful - Listen to
caretaker's concerns
 Use simple phrases and avoid technical terms to make sure
the caretaker understands your key messages
 Ongoing dialogue may successfully reassure vaccinehesitant parents that immunization is the best and safest
option for their child
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 13 February 2015
Key messages (2/4)
 Rotavirus infection is highly contagious
 Vaccination is the only way to prevent the severe episodes
of rotavirus infection
 A child immunized with rotavirus vaccine can still get
diarrhea from other agents
– Follow all steps to prevent and control diarrhea
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 13 February 2015
Key messages (3/4)
 On-time vaccination is very important
 Current rotavirus vaccines are generally well tolerated
– Parents have to understand that the risk of side effects after
rotavirus vaccination is much lower than the risk of severe rotavirus
disease in unvaccinated children
 Keep the immunization card safe and remember to bring it
next time
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 13 February 2015
Key messages (4/4)
Synergistic interventions related to diarrhoea prevention
and treatment should be practiced, such as:
• Rotavirus and measles vaccination,
• Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and Vitamin A
supplementation,
• Promotion of hand washing with soap,
• Improved water supply including treatment and safe
storage of household water,
• Community-wide sanitation promotion,
• Fluid replacement (ORS) and
• Zinc treatment
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 13 February 2015
End of module
Thank you
for your attention!
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 13 February 2015