“Empathetic communication is key for vaccines to reach those who need them most. It’s not enough for a vaccine to exist and be available; people must understand its importance, trust it, and decide to receive it, based on clear information. Science gives us the tool, and empathy opens the door for people to choose to use it,” explains Fernando González, International Immunization Advisor at PAHO in Colombia.
Results reflected in coverage
Zahira recalls how just weeks ago a vaccination register showed only 62% coverage. After the workshop, however, and applying what she had learned, coverage rose to 85%. In Mesa de Pole, she managed to reverse 7 out of 10 refusals; and in Fortaleza, 9 out of 15.
“Before, many people would reply with a blunt ‘no,’ but now the conversation flows,” says Yamile Reyes, nursing assistant in Ataco, about the changes she noticed when interacting with people after learning how to address common doubts. She recalls that before the workshop, refusals were quick, almost automatic, often leaving no space to explain the vaccine’s benefits. “Now, even when the initial answer is negative, people pause to listen, ask questions, want to know more. That gives us the chance to return, to insist respectfully, and little by little, they change their minds,” she adds.
This renewed confidence was also reflected in surveys carried out at the end of the training for 526 vaccinators, nursing assistants, and doctors from southern Tolima: Average confidence when interacting with communities rose from 4.27 to 4.73 out of 5; 97.6% of participants reached a high confidence level; and 95.3% said they would recommend the course. “It helped us know how to approach people, how to talk to them and answer questions,” adds Claudia Marcela Pérez, who convinced several families to accept the vaccine.
Health is power. Get vaccinated against yellow fever
Yellow fever is a serious viral disease that, in its jungle cycle —the type recorded in Colombia— is transmitted by mosquitoes of the Haemagogus and Sabethes genera. It can cause high fever, severe pain, jaundice, and, in the most serious cases, hemorrhage and even death. While there is no specific treatment, there is a safe, free, single-dose vaccine that provides lifelong protection. This vaccine has been part of Colombia’s disease control strategies for over 70 years.
The current outbreak has caused dozens of cases and deaths in Tolima, one of the country’s most affected departments. For this reason, multiple measures have been implemented: entomovirological surveillance and vector control, including mosquito capture and laboratory identification, primate surveillance, community monitoring to detect cases, and, of course, efficient and timely clinical management to save lives.
In the context of this outbreak, the main lesson from the workshop is clear: assertive, empathetic, evidence-based communication is not an optional extra in public health, but key to strengthening prevention and control actions. “We are a resilient municipality and I am sure that, with heart and joint work, we will overcome this situation,” stressed Secretary Charry.