Effects of interpersonal communication, knowledge, and attitudes on pertussis vaccination in Vermont

• Published in: Journal of communication in healthcare 2015-07, Vol.8 (3), p.207-219
• Main Authors: Heiss, Sarah N., Carmack, Heather J., Chadwick, Amy E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Health behavior; Health communication; Interpersonal communication; Pertussis; Sources of influence; Vaccine-preventable illness
• ISSN: 1753-8068; 1753-8076
• DOI: 10.1179/1753807615Y.0000000012

The United States is currently experiencing its worst pertussis outbreak in 50 years. Although pertussis is easily preventable through vaccination, many people are unaware of the severity of the disease and the need for adult booster vaccinations. This study surveyed 629 people using a statewide telephone survey to examine vaccination rates, factors affecting vaccination decisions, and the role of communication with healthcare providers, family, and friends in vaccine decision making. Findings indicate that most participants had not been vaccinated for pertussis in the last 5 years. Furthermore, there are disparate pertussis diagnoses and vaccination rates among adults. The main contribution of this study is the examination of sources of influence on adults' decisions to receive the Tdap booster. The primary source of influence and vaccine recommendation was healthcare providers. We also found that successful vaccination recommendations were most frequently justified by claims that the booster would protect the participant's personal health, rather than community health or infant health. When discussing the adult Tdap booster with eligible patients, healthcare providers should focus information and recommendations on patients' health, rather than include messages about benefits to community health or the health of infants they may come in contact with.