Navigating Family Discord Caused by Unvaccinated Members

The COVID-19 outbreak has brought to light many issues that our society struggles with, from systemic racism to inequities in healthcare access. One significant issue that many people are grappling with right now is the fear and anxiety around vaccines. As a therapist, I have seen firsthand the impact that this anxiety can have on families, especially when some members are vaccinated while others are not. In this post, I will share some insights and coping strategies from therapists on how families can navigate vaccine anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Patrick M. DeCarlo, a therapist working exclusively online in South Florida, reports family members are increasingly in conflict over vaccination.

1) Acknowledge and validate each other's feelings: The first step in coping with vaccine anxiety is to recognize that everyone's feelings around this topic are valid. Some people may feel very strongly that getting the vaccine is the best way to protect themselves and others, while others may have concerns about the safety or efficacy of the vaccine. It's important to approach these conversations with an open mind and a willingness to hear each other out. Remember that everyone is coping with a lot of uncertainty right now, and a little empathy can go a long way.

2) Focus on personal responsibility: One way to ease vaccine anxiety is to focus on what each individual can do to keep themselves and others safe. Talk about the actions that each family member can take – like wearing a mask, washing their hands, and practicing social distancing – to reduce the risk of transmission. Encourage family members to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing, while also recognizing that some people may have more health risks or concerns than others.

3) Seek support from your therapist: If you're feeling overwhelmed by vaccine anxiety, it may be helpful to talk to a therapist. Your therapist can provide a non-judgmental space to process your feelings and concerns, as well as help you develop coping strategies and communication skills to navigate difficult conversations with family members.

4) Practice active listening and compromise: When there are conflicting opinions about vaccines in a family, it's important to practice active listening and communication. This means really listening to each other's perspectives, without interrupting or getting defensive. It also means being willing to compromise – for example, if one family member is uncomfortable getting vaccinated, they may agree to wear a mask and practice social distancing around the rest of the family.

5) Focus on the positive: Finally, it's important to focus on the positive in situations like this. Celebrate the family members who have been vaccinated, talk about the exciting things you're looking forward to doing once it's safe, and work together as a family to support each other through this challenging time. Express gratitude for the love and support you have in your life, and remember that by coming together as a family, you can weather any storm.

The COVID-19 outbreak has been a challenging time for everyone, and vaccine anxiety is just one of the many issues that families are grappling with right now. By acknowledging each other's feelings, focusing on personal responsibility, seeking support from a therapist, practicing active listening and compromise, and focusing on the positive, families can navigate these uncertain times with greater ease and resilience. Remember, we're all in this together – and by supporting each other, we can come out stronger on the other side.