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 particularly on the need for timely vaccination
– 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 | 11 April 2020

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 | 11 April 2020

 Be respectful
 Use simple words and avoid technical terms
 Listen to caretaker's concerns
 Make sure the caretaker has understood your key messages
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 11 April 2020

A dvice on what is given
A lert on side effects and how to respond
A rrange for when to return
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 11 April 2020

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 | 11 April 2020

What can be done to prevent rotavirus and diarrheal disease?
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 11 April 2020

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
 Rotavirus vaccine will not prevent diarrhea or vomiting caused by other germs, but it is very good at preventing diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotavirus.
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 11 April 2020

Advice: Rotavirus vaccine schedule?
 Getting vaccinated on time is important
 3 doses of rotavirus vaccine
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 11 April 2020

 Infants may be more irritable. Some infants may also experience loss of appetite, fever, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting
 After immunization, if your infant has fever (>39 ˚C), give paracetamol
 If your infant shows unusual signspersistent crying, vomiting, blood in bowel motion take him/her directly to the hospital
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 11 April 2020

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 | 11 April 2020

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 | 11 April 2020

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 | 11 April 2020

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
– If your child shows any serious symptoms such as blood in the stool, take him/her immediately to the nearest hospital
 Keep the immunization card safe and remember to bring it next time
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 11 April 2020

Key messages (4/4)
 A coordinated approach that combines rotavirus vaccines with other prevention and treatment methods should be practiced to reduce death and illness from diarrhea, 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 (ORT)
– Zinc treatment
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 11 April 2020

Thank you for your attention!
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Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers, Module 7 | 11 April 2020