6.3 Health Worker’s Role in Crisis Communication and AEFI

• Make sure you know who the COVID-19 vaccine AEFI focal point is for your area.
• Reassure community members that the vaccine is given to protect them from COVID-19.
• Explain why the vaccination is given, benefits of vaccination, safety of the vaccine, common side-effects, and care for side-effects.
• If you see that a person recently vaccinated has fallen seriously ill after vaccination:
• Start treatment immediately, refer to the appropriate health facility as needed.
• Inform your supervisor and/or AEFI focal point immediately (over the telephone); complete the COVID-19 vaccine AEFI reporting form within 24 hours.
• As a vaccinator, do not speak to the media if they approach you about a serious illness after vaccination.
• Refer the media to the AEFI focal point who will have up-to-date information on what has happened and what needs to be done.
• Communicate with the community. Tell them an investigation is being carried out by the government.
• Show empathy to the family and the community.
• Do not give incorrect/false information.
• Tell them that you will share follow-up information at a specific date/time.
• If no additional information is available at that time, maintain communication and provide them a new follow–up time.