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 • 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 • Made sure the caretaker has understood your key messages

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

6. Advise: How to inform about the disease? • Rotavirus causes severe diarrhoea, 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 diarrhoea, but it is one of the most serious • Rotavirus infection spreads very quickly

7. Advise: How to communicate about diarrhoea prevention methods?

8. Advise: What is the new rotavirus vaccine (RotarixTM)? • Millions of children have received rotavirus vaccine (RotarixTM) in 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 diarrhoea or vomiting caused by other germs, but it is very good at preventing diarrhoea and vomiting caused by rotavirus.

9. Advise: Rotavirus vaccine schedule? • Getting vaccinated on time is important • For rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix™), 2 doses separated by 4 weeks are needed • The schedule is 6 and 10 weeks (same as the first and second doses of Penta and PCV)

10. Alert: How to respond to side effects? • Infants may be more irritable and could have loss of appetite. Some infants may also experience fever, fatigue, diarrhoea, and vomiting • After immunization you can give paracetamol if your infant has fever (>39˚C) • If your infant shows any unusual symptoms take him/her directly to the hospital

11. Arrange: When to return? • Makean appointment for the next dose of rotavirus vaccine (RotarixTM) 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 infant

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

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 infants and young children • If your infant 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) • Synergistic interventions related to diarrhoea prevention and treatment should be practiced, 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 (ORS) and • Zinc treatment

16. End of module Thank you for your attention!