Refresher Training for Frontline Health Workers in Expanded ... - RHO

4.3 Additional Handouts
Communication “Checklist” for Immunization
Greet the mother and congratulate the mother for bringing in her child—and let her
know you mean this.
Ask the mother for the child’s health card:
- If the mother has a card:
- Thank the mother for brining the card and remind her that it is valuable and
should be brought at each visit
- Check the child’s health card to see which immunizations he or she should
receive during the visit
- If the mother has no card:
- Do not scold a mother for not having a card.
- Issue the mother a new card and tick off the immunizations that she reports
the child.
- Explain that the card is valuable, should be kept safe, and brought to each
visit.
Always explain to mothers the disease that this vaccine will prevent. Encourage them
to ask questions.
Address concerns about immunization immediately by correcting any
misconceptions. For example, if a woman believes false rumors that a vaccine is a
contraceptive she will not care about anything else you have to say. Talk to her
about this first.
Explain possible side effects and how to manage them. If the mother knows to
expect side effects—for example a slight fever from DPT—she will not be frightened
by the child’s discomfort and will more likely return for the next immunization.
Tell the parent when and where to go to receive the infant’s next immunization and
vitamin A supplement.
Encourage the mother to bring her child to complete the full series of vaccinations
before her child’s first birthday so that her child will be protected against 6 dangerous
diseases and will receive a “vaccination diploma” (see Annex 2)
Check for understanding! Ask the mother when she will return for the next
immunization session.
Enquire whether and when the mother has received tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine to
protect herself and her future newborn babies from tetanus.
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