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Efforts needed to increase adult vaccinations in office-based settings
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Despite the growing availability of vaccinations offered outside of office-based settings, physician offices remain the primary source of vaccinations with the most potential to increase adult vaccinations, according to recent data from a study conducted by the Rand Corporation.
“Regardless of where vaccines are actually administered, office-based providers are uniquely positioned to identify patients who need vaccination, to communicate credibly about the benefits and risks of vaccination, and to ensure that vaccination histories are properly maintained,” Katherine M. Harris, PhD, senior economist at Rand Corp., said in a press release.
To improve the delivery of adult vaccination by identifying areas where efforts are needed, Harris and colleagues conducted a literature review, a stakeholder workshop, follow-up interviews and a telephone survey of 1,278 adults aged 18 years and older.
When compared with any other setting, more than twice as many vaccinations were administered in physician offices and medical clinics.
Physicians were found to be a highly influential source of advice about vaccinations. Of the 160 million US adults recommended for influenza vaccination, 44% were not vaccinated and did not intend to be. However, 20% were willing to be vaccinated with a strong recommendation from a health care provider, according to the study.
Yet, office-based health care providers did not meet their potential in administering and promoting adult vaccination, as it was infrequently discussed and only 27% of physicians reported stocking all recommended adult vaccinations. Compared with pediatric practices, adult practices lacked a strong business case to offer vaccinations because it is not routine preventive care.
According to the data, ongoing efforts are needed to promote adult vaccination and the integration of advice about vaccination into routine office-based practice. The following five targeted strategies were recommended:
- Strengthen evidence surrounding practice gaps and strategies for promoting vaccination.
- Improve guidance to providers about vaccinating adults.
- Assist providers in making informed decisions about whether to administer vaccinations on site.
- Formalize procedures for referring patients to complementary vaccinators.
- Document vaccination support efforts to facilitate performance-based payment.
For more information:
- Harris KM. A blueprint for improving the promotion and delivery of adult vaccination in the United States. Available at: www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR1169.html. Accessed Jan. 16, 2012.
Disclosure: This research was funded by GlaxoSmithKline.
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