Improving Adult Vaccination Status in the United States

Abstract

Adult immunization practices leave much to be desired. Misinformation has increased mistrust. As a result, Latino and African American populations have low rates of annual flu vaccinations and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, lag behind for COVID-19 vaccination. Historically, healthcare staff have failed to adhere to adult immunization guidelines contributing to patient infections. Healthcare staff, both clinical and non-clinical, must lead by example by making “prevention primary”. Most adults may not realize they need immunizations. We recommend the following steps to increase immunization uptake: Make adult immunization a standard of patient care as we do for children. Assess immunization status at every clinical opportunity. Strongly recommend vaccinations needed. Administer needed vaccinations, multiple if warranted. Document vaccines received by your patient. Participate in your state’s immunization registry and work with community organizations that can help make adult immunization the norm.

The intersectional importance of race/ethnicity, disability, and age in flu vaccine uptake for U.S. adults

“…Another limitation of this study was our inability to measure perceived discrimination directly. Perceived discrimination plays an important role in an individual's trust of physicians, willingness to seek medical care, or follow a physician's recommendations ( Valdez & Romero, 2021 ). Unfortunately, a variable measuring perceived discrimination was not available in the NHIS questionnaire.…”

“…Studies show that members of each group are more likely to have insufficient insurance coverage, an inability to pay for services and co-pays, and inadequate transportation to and from healthcare facilities compared to the general population ( Brown, Ojeda, Wyn, & Levan, 2000 , pp. 1–86; Goode et al, 2014 ; Raudenbush, 2020 ; Valdez & Romero, 2021 ). For those with physical disabilities, a lack of accessible exam rooms, medical equipment, and parking spaces are other commonly reported physical barriers ( Iezzoni et al, 2021 ; Sharby et al, 2015 ).…”

Modification of the Public Attitude Towards Vaccination Scale for use in adult vaccines

“…In addition, it is emphasized that as more adult vaccines will be developed in the future, it is necessary to comprehend the extent of vaccine hesitancy in the adult population (Akel et al, 2021). Health professionals are recommended to make adult vaccination a standard of patient care: to evaluate immunization status at every clinical opportunity, recommend necessary vaccinations, vaccinate, keep records and work with community organizations (Valdez & Romero, 2021).…”