Influenza vaccination uptake during COVID-19 pandemic: A trusted messenger approach

Abstract

Objective: Seasonal influenza is a preventable disease that may cause high morbidity and mortality. In the USA, the 2020 influenza season overlapped with the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. There is a dearth of research on understanding influenza vaccination uptake and attitudes towards the vaccine among marginalised communities in the USA. The aim of this study was to examine general knowledge, misconceptions about, and barriers to influenza vaccination and determine if flu education delivered via trusted messengers improved knowledge among Asian Americans. Design: Quantitative prospective pre- and post-test design. Setting: Asian American communities in Metro Detroit area, Hamtramck, and Kent County in Michigan. Method: The study started with a training event in which 26 community leaders were trained to become trusted messengers to disseminate flu education. A total of 260 Asian American participants subsequently completed pre- and post-education surveys. Results: Asian Americans in the study reported low flu vaccination rate (48.5%). Reasons varied but included access-related issues (e.g. no access and no insurance) and health literacy (did not know they needed it). After education by trusted messengers, the paired t tests measuring improvement between pre- and post-survey scores showed a significant improvement ( p < .05) for all of the knowledge items. Conclusion: Educational campaigns using targeted messages to address specific barriers and acknowledge individuals’ concerns regarding misconceptions while providing equitable vaccine access can be key for the successful implementation of vaccination programmes.

Understanding Low Vaccine Uptake in the Context of Public Health in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

“…In addition, to creating compelling messaging, trusted messengers could help improve vaccine uptake in ACB communities. Trusted messengers are considered to be trusted sources of health information by their community and can be trained to be ambassadors, and they can provide credible and culturally relevant information to those who may not seek information from healthcare authorities due to issues such as cultural and language barriers and low health literacy [ 138 ]. Results show that trusted messengers, such as pastors, Black healthcare providers, and faculty of Black students, are necessary for health communications by disseminating evidence-based information and providing vaccine promotion.…”