Simple strategies can boost vaccination rates for adults over 65 − new study
A recent study I co-authored, published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases, found that older adults are more motivated to get vaccinated when they understand which vaccines are important for their health and hear clear recommendations from their healthcare providers. This is especially important because adults over 65 are at higher risk for severe infections, but they often receive vaccines at lower rates than other age groups.
To better understand how to increase vaccination rates in older adults, my colleagues and I worked with six primary care clinics across the U.S. We tested two approaches: providing patients with a vaccine discussion guide in the waiting room or inviting them to a one-hour educational session.
In total, 249 patients participated in the study. Of these, 116 patients read a two-page guide, designed to spark conversations with their healthcare providers. The guide included a list of recommended vaccines for older adults, checkboxes to mark vaccines they had received, and space to write down questions. The other 133 patients attended the one-hour education session, where providers explained vaccines in-depth and addressed any concerns.
Two months later, patients reported that the biggest barriers to getting vaccinated were not knowing when to get a vaccine, worrying about side effects, and having trouble finding transportation to appointments.
This study highlights how important it is to provide clear information and support to older adults to help them make informed decisions about vaccines.
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