V.I.P.: Vaccinate for Influenza Prevention

Research Method: Intervention Research
Principal Investigators: Jean J. Schensul, Ph.D.; George Kuchel, M.D., FRCP

Grant: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Partners: The Center on Aging at the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC) (Grantee); Hartford Housing Authority (HHA); VNA Health Care, Inc. (VNA); the North Central Area Agency on Aging (NCAAA); the Adult Immunization Program of the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Dates of Study: 2005-2006, with possible extension to 2007

Project Summary

The purpose of this intervention study V.I.P.: Vaccinate for Influenza Prevention is to improve influenza vaccination rates among older, low-income, and minority adults who live independently in senior housing facilities in Hartford, CT. Nationally, this group has the highest risk for influenza, yet the lowest vaccination rates. The study utilizes an empowerment model to build a residential public health committee that is trained in the benefits of flu vaccine. Facilitated by project staff, the committee will receive interactive flu education, conduct a two-month long flu campaign, and organize flu vaccination clinics. A pre-post evaluation in one intervention and one matched comparison building will compare changes in knowledge, attitudes and rates of vaccine uptake among building residents.

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Vaccinate for Influenza Prevention: A Pilot Study of Influenza Vaccine Acceptability Among Residents of Senior Housing

Research Method: Intervention Research

Principal Investigator: Jean J. Schensul, Ph.D. (PI), Janet McElhaney, M.D. (Co-PI)

Grant: Core funding, ICR

Partners: University of Connecticut Health Center’s Center for Immunotherapy of Cancer and Infectious Diseases (UCHC-CICID), Hartford Housing Authority (HHA), VNA Health Care Inc. of Greater Hartford (VNA), North Central Area Agency on Aging (NCAAA)

Dates of Study: December 2004 – February 2005

Project Summary

The purpose of Project V.I.P.: Vaccinate for Influenza Prevention was to develop materials and approaches for an intervention study designed to increase flu vaccination rates among low-income, ethnically diverse older adults living independently in senior housing in Hartford, CT. The study assessed a theory-driven, peer-led intervention to identify and remove barriers to influenza vaccination and evaluated the utility of a pre-post survey. With the assistance of ICR staff a committee of residents formed. Through an interactive training process, committee members learned about influenza and the advantages of vaccination and could then act as peer educators in their buildings. Residents and project staff worked together to coordinate 3 influenza vaccine clinics and a flu vaccine promotion campaign. ICR interviewers completed surveys with 54 residents on their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about influenza and influenza vaccination, and their previous vaccination practices. The project collected formative data for a subsequent 1-year project also called VIP: Vaccinate for Influenza Prevention.

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