Clear communication and decision-making tools increase vaccination rates among older adults

Clear communication and decision-making tools increase vaccination rates among older adults

Clear reassurance from their health care provider and providing information about recommended vaccines before their clinic visit motivated more older Americans to get vaccinated, a new study from the University of Virginia School of Medicine found.

Because immune systems age like the rest of the body, older adults are at higher risk for poor outcomes from infections. But only 15% of Americans 50 and older and 25% of Americans 65 and older are up to date on all recommended vaccines, including influenza, RSV, tetanus and pneumococcal disease.

In the study, six primary care clinics across America piloted a new approach to increase vaccination rates. This included providing patients with a decision-making process prior to their clinic visit, where vaccination recommendations were listed, and encouraged patients to share concerns about vaccination. After using the tool, 79% of patients said they were ready to be vaccinated in advance, compared to 68%.

The approach also included collaborative learning sessions where patients and healthcare providers discussed patients' concerns and barriers to vaccination. 63 percent of patients in the study said a strong recommendation from their healthcare provider would motivate them to get vaccinated.

The vaccination schedule for older adults, like pediatric patients, can be confusing - knowing what is needed and when. Patients in the study reported that a clear recommendation from their healthcare provider was most effective in getting them admitted. “

Laurie Archbald-Pannone, MD, UVA Health geriatrician and lead author of the study

Open new conversations

Of the 116 patients surveyed, 60% said they did not regularly discuss barriers to vaccination with their healthcare provider before participating in the study. Among the most commonly cited barriers was knowing which vaccines were needed. payment for vaccinations; keeping track of vaccines and when they were due; concerns about side effects; and receive transportation to receive a vaccine.

After using the shared decision tool, 79% of patients in the study reported discussing their vaccines more or much more than at previous visits.

“Clear information and good discussions about vaccines between patients and their caregivers are critical to getting older adults vaccinated,” Archbald-Pannone said.

Results published

The researchers published their findings in the Infectious Diseases Scientific Journal Open Forum. The research team consisted of Archbald-Pannone, Angie D. Settle, Leah Molloy, Laura Simone, Chris Napolitan, Jeffrey D. Carter, Jacqueline Maytorena, and Kelly E. Pillinger.

The study was supported by the biopharma company GSK LLC.

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