Table 1.

Sample statements for use by providers during vaccination-related conversations

APPROACH	SAMPLE STATEMENTS
Start the conversation on vaccination using a presumptive approach^31,32	“Today we are going to give your child the recommended vaccines to keep the child healthy” “Your child needs 3 vaccines today” (instead of “What do you want to do about the shots?”)
If parents are still unsure, continue the conversation on vaccination, address concerns, and make a strong recommendation³²	“I strongly recommend your child receive these vaccines today” “These shots are very important for protecting your child from serious diseases”
Describe benefits of vaccines³³	“Vaccines work. Serious diseases can occur if your child is not immunized”
Describe side effects^25,31	“There is a risk with vaccines just as with everything we do in life, like driving a car or riding a bike” “The risk of anaphylaxis after vaccination is approximately 1 in a million, the same as the yearly risk of being struck by lightning”