Training for rotavirus vaccine introduction

1. Training for rotavirus vaccine introduction Module 7 Communicating about rotavirus vaccine with caretakers

2. Learning objectives • At the end of the module, the participant will be able to: • Describe how to communicate with caretakers • Advise caretakers on rotavirus disease and prevention methods particularly on the need for timely vaccination • Alert caretakers of potential side effects and how to respond to them • Provide other messages to caretakers before they leave the session • Duration • 20’

3. 1 How to communicate with caretakers? 2 How to advise on rotavirus disease and prevention methods? 3 How to advise on potential side effects? 4 Whatothermessages to give caretakers before they leave the session? Key issues

4. How to communicate with caretakers? • Be respectful • Use simple words and avoid technical terms • Listen to caretaker's concerns • Make sure the caretaker has understood your key messages

5. What is “triple A” communication with parents? Advice on what is given Alert on side effects and how to respond Arrange for when to return

6. Advice: How to inform about the disease? • Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever leading to rapid dehydration • Rotavirus is found everywhere • Almost every child in the world will suffer from at least one infection by the time he or she is three years old • Rotavirus is not the only cause of diarrhea, but it is one of the most serious • Rotavirus infection spreads very quickly

7. What can be done to prevent rotavirus and diarrhealdisease?

8. Advice: What is the new rotavirus vaccine? • Millions of children have received rotavirus vaccinein the last 8 years and the vaccine is considered very safe and effective • This vaccine will be given at the same time as pentavalent vaccine, therefore no extra visit is required for this vaccine • Rotavirus vaccine will not prevent diarrhea or vomiting caused by other germs, but it is very good at preventing diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotavirus.

9. Advice: Rotavirus vaccine schedule? • Getting vaccinated on time is important • 3 doses of rotavirus vaccine

10. Alert: How to respond to side effects? • Infants may be more irritable. Some infants may also experience loss of appetite, fever, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting • After immunization, if your infant has fever (>39˚C), give paracetamol • If your infant shows unusual signs- persistent crying, vomiting, blood in bowel motion take him/her directly to the hospital

11. Arrange: When to return? • Makean appointment for the next dose of rotavirus vaccine and other vaccines according to the immunization schedule • Wait at least 4 weeks before next appointment • Ensure that there is a session on the attributed date • i.e., no public holiday, weekend, or other event • Write the date of the next visit on the immunization card • Remind the caretaker to come on the specified date and to bring the card

12. Key messages (1/4) • Triple A communication - Be respectful - Listen to caretaker's concerns • Use simple phrases and avoid technical terms to make sure the caretaker understands your key messages • Ongoing dialogue may successfully reassure vaccine-hesitant parents that immunization is the best and safest option for their child

13. Key messages (2/4) • Rotavirus infection is highly contagious • Vaccination is the only way to prevent the severe episodes of rotavirus infection • A child immunized with rotavirus vaccine can still get diarrhea from other agents • Follow all steps to prevent and control diarrhea

14. Key messages (3/4) • On-time vaccination is very important • Current rotavirus vaccines are generally well tolerated • Parents have to understand that the risk of side effects after rotavirus vaccination is much lower than the risk of severe rotavirus disease in unvaccinated children • If your child shows any serious symptoms such as blood in the stool, take him/her immediately to the nearest hospital • Keep the immunization card safe and remember to bring it next time

15. Key messages (4/4) • A coordinated approach that combines rotavirus vaccines with other prevention and treatment methods should be practiced to reduce death and illness from diarrhea, such as: • Rotavirus and measles vaccination • Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and Vitamin A supplementation • Promotion of hand washing with soap • Improved water supply including treatment and safe storage of household water • Community-wide sanitation promotion • Fluid replacement (ORT) • Zinc treatment

16. End of module Thank you for your attention!