Developing and Implementing an Intervention to Increase Immunization Coverage Among Frontline Long-Term Care Staff.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Immunization coverage has decreased among frontline staff in post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) settings post-COVID-19 pandemic.
• Frontline PALTC staff, including nurses and certified nursing assistants, are crucial for resident and self-protection.
• Declining vaccination rates pose risks to vulnerable populations in PALTC facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand frontline PALTC staff attitudes toward immunization and educational preferences.
• To develop and evaluate an immunization-focused professional development program tailored to staff needs.
• To address vaccine hesitancy and improve immunization uptake in PALTC settings.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 200 frontline PALTC staff assessed attitudes toward vaccines and preferred training methods.
• A 45-minute in-service training was designed based on survey findings, presenting balanced vaccine information.
• Supervisors received online training to deliver the in-service and address staff questions, with subsequent supervisor feedback collected.

Main Results:

• Frontline staff expressed a desire to protect themselves and residents but showed skepticism about vaccine efficacy.
• Staff emphasized immunization as a personal choice and requested objective, reliable vaccine information.
• Supervisors in three PALTC facilities positively evaluated the in-service materials and training program.

Conclusions:

• Engaging frontline staff in the design of immunization education is key to addressing vaccine hesitancy.
• A neutral, respectful approach delivering reliable vaccine information through trusted messengers can improve staff confidence.
• This innovative model can be adapted to enhance immunization practices in PALTC settings.