March 18, 2022
By Gabe Gomez
Staff Writer
We’ve all been in that dreaded situation where you want to know someone’s vaccination status but are afraid to ask. These interactions are always uncomfortable, sometimes awkward and never fun. However, if you follow a few guiding principles, you can get through these tough conversations with relative ease.
The best way to start the conversation is by first stating your own vaccination status. This can help make the person you are speaking to feel more comfortable sharing whether or not they are vaccinated. Another way to open up the conversation is by explaining why you are inquiring about their vaccination status. For instance, you can explain that you are concerned about the health of an older person or someone who is immunocompromised.
Now that you know how to bring up the topic, you should consider the best place to ask the question. To make the situation more casual, talking on the phone may be easiest.
Now that you know about good times to ask, let’s talk about some bad times to pop the question. Do not inquire about someone’s vaccination status if you are in the middle of an argument, at an important event with them or in a big group. This is because these times are intense or public and can cause the person to become annoyed or aggravated. Therefore, wait until you are in a casual setting to have the conversation.
Make sure to ask the question well before you need the answer. For instance, if you are inviting a friend to your family birthday celebration and you are concerned because your elderly grandparents will be there, you should inquire about your friend’s vaccination status days before your birthday or even before you invite them.
The best way to start the conversation is by first stating your own vaccination status.
The best time to have a difficult conversation is in the morning because the earlier it is in the day, the more clear-headed people tend to be. As the day goes on, people get tired and worn down, so it makes rough conversations even rougher.
If you expected the person to be vaccinated but they respond that they are not, do not overreact. It is best to stay calm because you don’t want to offend them or make them feel that you are judging them. Their response may lead you to hold back on an invitation, but don’t be unnerved. There will be other opportunities to spend time with that person in a safer setting that meets both of your needs..
The main thing to remember when asking about vaccination status is to try making the person feel comfortable to share, ask casually and don’t make their response into a big deal. The question can be controversial, but with the correct word choice and techniques, disagreements and disputes can be avoided.
