Information that links vaccination to healthy aging might encourage more older adults to get recommended immunizations, particularly if they believe doing so benefits their cardiovascular (heart-related) or cognitive (thinking-related) health.
The study, published today in Vaccine, analyzed surveys of 2,416 adults, aged 60 or older, living in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a region in southern France that borders Italy and Switzerland. The questionnaire asked participants whether they agreed with statements, such as "Vaccination helps me age well," and "I get vaccinated to protect my loved ones, my children and grandchildren."
Researchers found that messaging that emphasized how vaccines reduce the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction (heart attacks) generated the highest levels of vaccination interest. Information on the link between dementia prevention and vaccination also showed promise. Messages about falls and fractures appeared least influential.
Perhaps predictably, people who had more of the recommended vaccinations were more likely to agree with these statements. The fewer vaccines people had, the less likely they were to be swayed by this messaging.
Older adults want to stay independent
The authors note that, unlike infections, cardiovascular events and neurocognitive disorders are among the health outcomes that concern older adults most because of their effects on quality of life and independence.
At the same time, infectious diseases create economic burdens for individuals and the healthcare system. And, as in other countries, France has suboptimal vaccination coverage among adults.
Therefore, this finding is encouraging from a public health perspective, write the authors, as it shows that messaging that specifically speaks to a population's needs, motivations, and barriers might encourage higher vaccination rates.