A Trauma-Informed Approach to COVID-19 Vaccination

Hello POP Providers!

This week we'd like to share some new work we are very proud of.  Together with local providers we created a series of videos that explain the importance of a trauma-informed approach to care, especially when it comes to vaccination.  

According to Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) studies, exposure to abuse, neglect, discrimination, violence and other adverse experiences increases a person's chances for serious health problems and for engaging in health-risk behaviors.  Not only do traumatic events have health consequences for children, but the impacts are seen over a lifetime.

With a trauma-informed approach, providers take a holistic view of the patient, acknowledging their life experiences along with their medical history.  Recognizing that some patients may have experienced traumatic events in their past, and understanding how that impacts their current behavior, allows for more individualized, effective care. 

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is one area where trauma-informed care can be essential.  Researchers in the UK found that vaccine hesitancy was three times higher among people who had experienced four or more types of trauma as a child than those who did not (BMJ, 2022).  In addition, being trauma-informed helps reduce the distrust in health information and vaccines.  

                                                  

We encourage all providers, health care staff and public health professionals to watch these brief, informative videos and share with your networks.  

Please find the trauma-informed vaccine conversations video playlist on the DOH YouTube channel.

To learn more about trauma-informed care please refer to these resources.

Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource Center

SAMHSA: Key Ingredients for Successful Trauma-Informed Care Implementation               

Thank you!

Power of Providers Team
Prevention and Community Health Division
Washington State Department of Health
powerofprovider@doh.wa.gov
360-236-3873 | www.doh.wa.gov/pop