ID-5184 Wonca Abstracts supplement L-Z 13-10-23 - Flipbook - Page 41
WONCA 2023 Supplement 2: WONCA 2023 abstracts (L–Z)
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Identification of potential vaccine features important in
the public decision making of herpes zoster vaccination
in Australia
A/Prof John Litt1, Robert Booy2, Vince Grillo3, Emma Bandy4, Dr Raunak Parikh5,
Sumitra Shantakumar6
1
College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, 2The Children’s Hospital at
Westmead, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 3Cerner Enviza, Singapore, 4GSK, Melbourne, 5GSK,
Wavre, 6GSK, Singapore
Background
Vaccination is important for preventing herpes zoster (HZ), which typically affects older adults due
to immunosenescence, placing a significant burden on patients and their families/caregivers. The
Australian public may not be fully aware of the profiles of available HZ vaccines and an understanding
the vaccine-related preferences of adults ≥50 years of age (YOA) is needed.
Aim and goals
Using concept elicitation to understand how vaccine attributes may inform vaccine choice generally
and identify vaccine features that may influence HZ vaccination decision making among HZ-naïve/HZexperienced/HZ-vaccinated individuals.
Methods
One-to-one exploratory qualitative interviews were conducted in Australia in April–May 2022 among 20
adults ≥50 YOA (general population [HZ-naïve], n = 10; HZ-experienced patients, n = 10). The general
population was stratified by HZ vaccination status (not HZ-vaccinated, n = 6; HZ-vaccinated, n = 4).
Results
The most important vaccines among respondents were flu vaccines (17/20) and COVID-19 vaccines
(14/20). HZ vaccines were most important to the HZ-vaccinated general population (4/4) and moderate/
severe HZ patients (3/10). Generally, key reasons for vaccination included preventing disease or serious
infection/complications and maintaining good health. Multiple respondents (13/20) considered doctors
important in providing information proactively on recommended vaccines and alleviating vaccinerelated concerns. Some respondents (n = 4) relied on media/their own research when considering
vaccination.
HZ vaccine features considered important among respondents included reducing lifetime HZ risk
(19/20), preventing HZ-related complications (18/20), duration of protection (17/20), government/medical
societies’ recommendations (14/20), number of HZ cases prevented in the next five years (13/20),
short-term side effects (12/20), number of doses for full protection (10/20) and vaccine
type (6/20).
Conclusion
In general, physicians’ understanding of individuals’ vaccination-related needs is crucial, particularly for
HZ vaccination due to a lower Australian public view on its importance compared with other vaccines.
These findings elucidate individuals’ preferences regarding HZ vaccination, top vaccine attributes
considered and the roles of different information sources/stakeholders that drive HZ vaccination
decision making.
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