Persuasion with information

Re Why one vaccine-hesitant mother changed her mind, July 26

Shaming people who hesitate to take the vaccine is not the way to change their mind about getting vaccinated.

Tara Hills is just one of the many people who once succumbed to false claims and misinformation about vaccines.

As Amy Dempsey writes: “The (antivax) anecdotes were not verified or backed with evidence, but they made an impression on Hills.”

This is true for so many people and this is how fear spreads.

We applaud Hills for reaching out and educating herself.

Ontario is doing well with COVID-19 vaccination rollout, but the Delta variant is extremely transmissible and the only way to soften a fourth wave is by getting vaccinated.

Unfortunately, hesitancy about getting vaccinated poses a significant threat to the resumptions of a more “normal” life.

We all have a role to play in addressing vaccine hesitancy in a way that informs and educates, rather than shames.

We must do everything in our power to stop misinformation in its tracks.

Morgan Hoffarth, Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario