Professional paper
Communication in Crisis Situations in the Process of Immunization
Jelena Ravlija
; Public Health Institute of Federation of B&H, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ivan Vasilj
; University of Mostar, Faculty of Medicine, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Abstract
Immunization is one of the most effective medical interventions in the prevention of the disease and represents the easiest and most cost-effective investment in health. The strategy of controlling contagious diseases that can be prevented through immunization has a long tradition in B&H. Mandatory immunizations are administered against ten diseases. Although the development of new technologies, the efforts of the pharmaceutical industry, the development of new vaccines provides better vaccines in terms of greater safety and effectiveness it should be pointed out that no vaccine is »absolutely
effective and safe«, and it will not achieve the immune response in 100% vaccinated, also there are possible side effects and unexpected reactions that could occur. Vaccination is often a media issue because previously unnoticed local, isolated events-side effects and complications of vaccination are now accompanied by media attention as there are now numerous and fast communication channels (internet, e-mail, TV, etc.) and media evolved from being less »controlled« to more »commercial«. Doubt in benefit of vaccination is growing even among health professionals who are expected to provide up-to-date, understandable information, and issue information about immunization benefits and potential risks. It
is therefore important for health professionals to be well informed, to be a good source of authoritative, scientific and reasonable advice, and to speak openly about the benefits and risks of vaccination so that consumers fully understand both possible outcomes of vaccination. This takes communication skills, particularly in crisis situations connected with vaccination. Health professionals are thus faced with a changing attitude toward importance of immunization in the social climate where risk is less tolerated than ever before.
Keywords
immunization; health professional; parents; media; crisis communication
Hrčak ID:
90993
URI
Publication date:
5.10.2012.
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