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Adults aged 50 and over may not be getting vaccines, such as the flu, pneumonia and shingles vaccines, at the rates they should be, according to a large survey by Kantar.
The research, which surveyed nearly 10,000 adults aged 50 and older across nine countries (UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Brazil, Canada and Japan), found that many adults are not getting vaccinated against common diseases or illnesses, despite recommendations from healthcare professionals (HCPs).
The survey found that HCPs are generally believed to be trusted sources of information, prompting the researchers to call on HCPs to educate their patients about the benefits of vaccination.
Most people recognise the protective role vaccines offer
The survey found that overall, adults pay attention to their health, and 59% of those surveyed in the United Kingdom stated that they had received a routine health check-up in the past five years.
Most people also recognise the protective role that vaccines offer, with 88% of respondents receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. However, vaccine take up was low for flu (56%), pneumonia (14%) and shingles (10%), which goes against professional advice.
Of the 686 HCPs interviewed, 82% said patients aged 50 and over should have the flu vaccine annually, while 73% and 63% respectively said the pneumonia and shingles vaccine is relevant for this group.
Patients want to know why they should get a vaccine before they get it
Around a third of the people surveyed in the UK said they need to know they should get a vaccine before they get it, and what the vaccine side effects might be.
The researchers are therefore calling on HCPs to educate their patients about the benefits of vaccination, rather than simply suggesting they book themselves in.
Fortunately, many HCPs are already doing this, with 83% of those surveyed saying they often tell their patients the benefits of the vaccine outweigh possible risks, and 78% explain that a vaccine not only helps protect the patient against disease, but also the increased risk of serious complications.
It is important to note that explaining to patients that they need a vaccine because they are getting old does not motivate patients. However, being told that helping your immune system puts you back in control is received more positively – it’s a responsibility that adults are ready to take on.
Boriana Guimicheva, Vaccines Medical Director, UK & Ireland, said: “Covid-19 has really underlined the importance of good health and as we slowly emerge from the pandemic, we must continue talking to people about what they can do to maintain their health and wellbeing into older age, with preventative measures such as good diet, regular exercise, routine health checks and vaccination.”