Local headlines make it seem as though the experimental COVID-19 vaccine is moving into Hoosier nursing homes as early as NEXT WEEK! No one really knows what to expect, but we are doing our best to stay ahead of the curve, because of this we wanted to provide a little information so you can prepare appropriately.

First of all, we have had people report that the nursing homes are reaching out to family and are being clear that you CAN decline the experimental vaccine. This is great news for those worried about requirements!

This is an interesting and multilayered issue for many. I want to talk about the “not so obvious” for a moment. I think it is safe to say that being in a long-term care facility right now is pretty isolating. For some it may have been months since their families have been to see them. Before getting too anxious about the vaccine, I think it is very important to TALK with your loved one first. It is very hard to determine what their opinion might be. It would certainly be very difficult to be so isolated, vulnerable, and hearing about how this vaccine is “the way out.” I encourage you to check on your loved one, see how they are doing, and if you haven’t specifically discussed the experimental vaccine do so! This can be a high-tension topic if you are not aware of your loved one’s stance. It is natural to be concerned about them especially when you are not able to physically visit with them.

Here are a few tips for your conversation:

1. Before diving in, have a conversation! Ask what they are doing day to day, is there something funny or entertaining that has happened recently. Share about your family and what you are doing. Reminisce about the holidays, give thanks for the traditions that have been passed down, and enjoy this time with your loved one. This is probably one of the most important things you can do. LOVE your loved one. You will thank me for this later and might want to implement a 20-minute phone call once a week if you haven’t already.
2. When you are done with the conversation, start by getting THEIR opinion on the subject. “So, Mom, what do you think about the COVID vaccine?” or “Has there been any talk about getting the COVID vaccine?” and follow up by asking what THEIR opinion on it is. This is probably the most important part, LISTEN to what they are saying and try to understand their perspective. Your opinions might differ, it is important that you hear them out. AFTER your loved one has told your what THEIR thoughts are then you can ask more questions and maybe gain understanding if needed.
3. RESPECT their bodily autonomy! If your loved one is capable of making their own decisions, please be respectful of those. It is not your job to convince them otherwise. Our organization is centered around an individual’s right to accept or decline a vaccine. This does not mean that you can’t offer some information, but it really needs to be done in a respectful and caring manner. The last thing you want is for your loved one to have an increased sense of isolation.
4. Offering information should be just that. It should be an offering please don’t approach the topic trying to change the person’s mind. I encourage you to start out saying “My concerns are…” Then adding information about the concerns you have. These conversations must be approached with love and grace. Ultimately, respect the individual’s right to bodily autonomy if you continue to disagree.

If your loved one would like to decline the experimental vaccine, they should be provided with the opportunity to do so. Several people have asked about how to exempt loved ones so we thought we would provide a little guidance. 

It is important to note that the forms on the exemptions blog do NOT cover the experimental COVID-19 vaccine. Indiana state law only provides for exemptions for influenza and pneumonia vaccines. Indiana state Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and beliefs of conscious. Many individuals object based on religious grounds, and so that is the exemption form we will give as an example. You can make your own if you prefer. Simply draft a letter with the date, name of the nursing home, along with a statement about the individual’s religious beliefs preventing them from getting the vaccine, sign and submit.

If you have any questions, please feel free to send us an email contact@hoosiersformedicalliberty.com

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