United States: Recent research showed about 41 percent growth in vaccination among those who participated in the study who were questioned about getting a flu shot. They were simultaneously provided with an information pamphlet and a three-minute video.
The video message involved a doctor belonging to the same ethnic group who talked about the shot and its health benefits.
The findings of this new research were published in the journal NEJM Evidence on March 26.
Findings of the research
According to the US News reports, the vaccination count rose about 32 percent within those who participated in the survey. The participants were asked about their thoughts on the shot and were told that their healthcare providers would be informed about that.
Therefore, the new research has resulted in an easier way to boost vaccination for flu.
It will further reinforce the invitation with the help of a small video and by providing a printed pamphlet.
Rodriguez added, “This research arose from our desire to address the health disparities that we see every day in our emergency department, especially among homeless persons, the uninsured, and immigrant populations,” as US News reported.
The time span of the clinical trial went from one flu season, ranging from October 2022 to February 2023.
The total participants involved in the study were 800 patients belonging to five cities – San Francisco, Houston, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Durham, N.C.
Additionally, the demographic characteristics of the participants were similar to populations often served by urban emergency departments, such that more than 50 percent of them were Black or Latino patients; 16 percent of them were uninsured; about one-third of them had no facility of primary care; and 9 percent were without homes, or were living in “severely inadequate” house settings.
Moreover, researchers utilized the study group to measure their vaccine messaging – involving short videos, pamphlets, and healthcare provider questions such as “Would you be willing to accept the influenza vaccine?”
Rodriguez said, “Overall, our study adds to the growing body of knowledge showing that a number of important public health interventions can and should be delivered to underserved populations in emergency departments.”