NewsGP - GP input key to vaccine uptake for more than 60% of Australians

The most common influential factors are whether the vaccine has been in use for a long time with no serious side-effects (67%), and whether it has been recommended by their GP or another healthcare professional (61%).

Professor Kirsten McCaffery, a health literacy researcher at the University of Sydney, told newsGP it is well-known that GPs have a ‘hugely influential role’.

‘They’re highly trusted members of the community, so we must never underestimate their role and influence,’ she said.

What’s key, Professor McCaffery says, is that GPs are transparent about any known side effects that may follow vaccination.

‘Often practitioners are a bit anxious to talk about those things. For instance in a small number [of cases] people may experience headaches, they may have chills after their vaccination,’ she said.

‘But it’s important to talk to people about that, and be open and honest about it.

‘What we know from the research, is that we need to be non-judgmental and respectful of people who are hesitant and have questions about the vaccine, and give people time to think about it, answer their questions, be responsive to their needs, and not make them feel bad for questioning or being uncertain.