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A new study published in the journal Open Forum Infectious Diseases reveals that simple strategies can significantly increase vaccination rates among adults over 65, a population particularly vulnerable to severe infections. The research, conducted in collaboration with six primary care clinics across the U.S., highlights the importance of clear communication and accessible information in empowering older adults to make informed decisions about their health.
The study involved 249 patients visiting their primary care providers. Participants were divided into two groups: one group received a two-page vaccine discussion guide in the waiting room, while the other was invited to a one-hour educational session post-visit.
The discussion guide, designed to facilitate conversations between patients and providers, included checklists for identifying barriers to vaccination, areas for noting questions, and a comprehensive chart of recommended vaccines for older adults. The educational sessions provided in-depth information about vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases, addressing common concerns and hesitancy.
“Knowing which vaccines older adults should get and hearing a clear recommendation from their health care provider about why a particular vaccine is important strongly motivated them to get vaccinated,” stated the study’s co-author.
Follow-up surveys revealed that common barriers to vaccination included uncertainty about when to receive specific vaccines, concerns about side effects, and transportation difficulties. Notably, the percentage of patients expressing a desire to get vaccinated increased from 68% to 79% after using the vaccine guide. Furthermore, 80% of patients reported enhanced vaccine discussions with their providers following both interventions.
Healthcare providers also reported positive outcomes, with 57% observing increased vaccination rates. Half of the providers found the vaccine guide particularly effective in guiding patient conversations.
The study underscores the critical need to improve vaccination rates among older adults. According to CDC data from 2022, only a fraction of adults aged 60 and older are up-to-date on recommended vaccines, including those for COVID-19, influenza, tetanus, pneumococcal disease, and shingles. This is despite consistent evidence demonstrating the protective benefits of vaccination in this age group.
“My research shows that strategies that equip older adults with personalized information about vaccines empower them to start the conversation about vaccines with their clinicians and enable them to be active participants in their health care,” the author explained.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to explore the impact of earlier patient engagement, potentially through pre-visit contact by clinical team members or care coordinators via phone or telemedicine. A pilot study is planned to evaluate whether proactive outreach and vaccination status discussions can further improve vaccination rates.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided by a study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases. The findings represent the results of this specific study and may not be generalizable to all populations. Readers should consult with their healthcare providers for personalized medical advice and recommendations regarding vaccinations.
