Title : Effectiveness of momentary intervention on influenza vaccination in the elderly: From willingness to action
Abstract:
Purpose To evaluate the impact of momentary intervention on the willingness and actual uptake of influenza vaccination among the elderly.
Methods The willingness to receive influenza vaccination among the elderly was evaluated by a cross-sectional study. A momentary intervention on the willingness of influenza vaccination was performed among the elderly who were unwilling to be vaccinated in the cross-sectional study. The elderly reporting a willingness were invited to receive influenza vaccinations free of charge in the community intervention program.
Results A total of 3138 participants were recruited in this study, and 61.3% (95% CI 59.6%–63.0%) were willing to receive influenza vaccination at baseline. The willingness rate of influenza vaccination increased to 79.8% (95% CI 78.4%–81.2%), with an increasing rate of 18.5% (95% CI 16.3%–20.7%) after momentary intervention. The influenza vaccination rate was 40.4% (95% CI 38.5%–42.3%) before momentary intervention and 53.9% (95% CI 52.0%–55.8%) after momentary intervention with an increase of 13.5% (95% CI 10.9%–16.2%). There was no significant difference in influenza vaccination rates between the initially willing people and those who changed to be willing to receive influenza vaccination after momentary intervention (vaccination rates: 78.0% vs. 81.3%).
Conclusion Momentary intervention has been shown to effectively enhance the willingness of the elderly to receive influenza vaccination, thereby facilitating the translation of this intention into actual behavior. Further exploration is needed regarding the feasibility and efficacy of momentary interventions in the context of self-paid vaccines.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- The audience will learn that momentary intervention can significantly increase both the willingness and the actual uptake of influenza vaccinations among the elderly.
- They can apply this knowledge in public health campaigns and vaccination drives to enhance acceptance and coverage of vaccines, particularly in populations showing resistance or indifference to vaccination.
- Faculty involved in public health and behavioral science might use this research to expand their educational content or further research into intervention strategies that influence health behaviors. The success of the momentary intervention strategy provides a model that can be adapted for other health behaviors and interventions.
