Jiangsu Province, China – A new study reveals a complex landscape of vaccine hesitancy among older adults in China, challenging the notion of a uniform resistance to influenza vaccination. Researchers identified three distinct profiles – low, moderate and high hesitancy – suggesting that a one-size-fits-all approach to public health messaging is unlikely to be effective.
The community-based cross-sectional survey, conducted between and , involved 1,773 adults aged 60 and over from various areas within Jiangsu province. Data was collected using the Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy Scale and a vaccine literacy scale, providing a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing vaccination decisions.
The findings, published recently, indicate that approximately 42% of the surveyed population exhibited high hesitancy towards the influenza vaccine, while 35% demonstrated moderate hesitancy and 23% showed low hesitancy. This distribution underscores the significant challenge facing public health officials in increasing vaccination rates among this vulnerable demographic.
Geographic location emerged as a key predictor of hesitancy levels. Rural residents were significantly more likely to fall into the moderate (OR = 2.030) and high (OR = 2.993) hesitancy groups compared to their urban counterparts. This disparity highlights the potential impact of limited access to healthcare, lower levels of health information, and differing cultural beliefs in rural communities.
Socioeconomic factors also played a role. Lower household income and the presence of chronic diseases were associated with the moderate hesitancy profile. This suggests that financial constraints and concerns about the potential interaction between the vaccine and existing health conditions may contribute to vaccine reluctance among this group.
Interestingly, male sex was found to be associated with the high hesitancy profile. The reasons behind this gender-specific trend remain unclear and warrant further investigation. It could be linked to differing health-seeking behaviors, perceptions of risk, or social norms among men and women.
Vaccine literacy – specifically, interactive and critical literacy – proved to be a protective factor against high hesitancy. Individuals with higher levels of these literacy skills were less likely to express strong reservations about the vaccine. This underscores the importance of providing clear, accessible, and evidence-based information about influenza and the benefits of vaccination.
Concerns about vaccine quality were prevalent across both the moderate (OR = 1.433) and high (OR = 1.376) hesitancy groups. This suggests a widespread lack of trust in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, potentially fueled by misinformation or negative experiences. Knowledge gaps and fears of adverse reactions were particularly concentrated within the high hesitancy group.
The study’s findings align with broader research on vaccine hesitancy globally, including recent work highlighting the influence of confidence, complacency, and convenience – the “3Cs” model – on vaccination decisions. A separate study, published in , focused on older adults in rural regions of southern China, also identified factors influencing influenza vaccine uptake.
research indicates that hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines may be influencing attitudes towards influenza vaccination. A study conducted in Shanghai, China, from to , found that distrust in vaccine efficacy, low perceived influenza severity, and reliance on non-pharmaceutical interventions were significant predictors of influenza vaccine hesitancy. The study concluded that vaccine confidence deficits and complacency are major drivers of hesitancy.
The researchers emphasize that a segmented approach to vaccination campaigns is crucial. Rather than relying on generic messaging, public health efforts should be tailored to address the specific concerns and needs of different subgroups within the older adult population. This includes addressing cost-related barriers, improving vaccine literacy, and building trust through transparent and culturally sensitive communication.
Prioritizing rural residents, older men, and individuals with chronic conditions is particularly important, according to the study. These groups face unique challenges and require targeted interventions to overcome vaccine hesitancy.
the study’s findings are based on a sample from Jiangsu province and may not be fully representative of the entire Chinese population. However, the insights gained from this research provide valuable guidance for developing more effective vaccination strategies and improving public health outcomes.
