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Provider influence, patient awareness key for successful vaccination delivery in adults
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ARLINGTON, Va. — Substantial challenges remain in the delivery of the seasonal influenza vaccine in adults, according to a presenter at the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Meeting.
“Early snapshots for this year suggest that we may, on average, be doing better than we have within the past decade, but it remains to be seen how sustainable it is,” Kristin Nichol, MD, associate chief of staff for research at Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, said during a presentation here.
According to Nichol, patients’ reluctance to vaccinate includes lack of awareness of the disease, the vaccine and of their own personal risk. Persistent misconceptions and fears about vaccines and about the health care system require insight from their provider. “Patients need to be aware. They need to have accurate knowledge about the safety and effectiveness [of vaccines], and provider recommendations can be very influential,” she said.
Some of the common reasons why adults are not vaccinated against influenza or pneumococcal disease include: “I’m healthy; I don’t need the vaccine;” “The doctor hasn’t told me I need it;” or “Some vaccines have side effects.” Examples of why pregnant women are not vaccinated include possible safety risks to themselves and their baby.
Nichol discussed results from a national adult immunization consumer survey in which 69% of adults stated that their personal physician was the No. 1 influence for immunization.
Results from another study that assessed influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates among the elderly and high-risk patients with negative attitudes about vaccination indicated that rates were low if the patient reported no provider recommendation. Conversely, even if patients had negative attitudes toward vaccines, they were 80% more likely to get vaccinated if the provider recommended vaccination.
“Provider recommendation is consistently one of the most important predictors for patients across all age groups and across different vaccines for getting vaccinated,” Nichol said. “Overcoming disparities may require special strategies, including patient reminders; multifaceted programs consisting of education and regulation of vaccinations; enhanced access with reduced costs and walk-in clients; and addressing provider barriers with reminders, standing orders and policies.”
For more information:
- Nichol K. Presented at: IDSA’s Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Meeting; Jan. 27-28, 2011; Arlington, Va.
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