Social and psychological determinants of adult immunisation

Project summary

Background 

Immunisation is undoubtedly the most effective approach to limit the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. Thus far, childhood immunization programmes have been very successful. By the end of 2010, 85% of infants worldwide had received the immunization schedule recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Conversely, WHO estimates indicate suboptimal uptake of adult vaccination. US mortality rates due to vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) illustrate this trend: while approximately 200 children die every year of VPDs, annual adult deaths reach 70,000. If left unaddressed, this health disparity is expected to widen by ever increasing numbers of over-65s in both developed and developing countries.

Our research will focus on two routine adult vaccines: influenza and tetanus containing vaccines. Unlike most adult vaccines, influenza and tetanus vaccines have been recommended to all adults ≥19 by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), both due to their cost-effectiveness and safety. The proposed research aims to understand the social and psychological factors underpinning the uptake of the above vaccines in six countries: the US, the UK, France, Brazil, India and China. We ultimately seek to better predict adult vaccines uptake and to contribute to improving immunisation policy and communication strategies.

Outputs

• Wheelock A, Thomson A, Sevdalis N. Social and psychological factors underlying adult vaccination behavior: lessons from seasonal influenza vaccination in the US and the UK. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2013. PubMed