Adjuvanted Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for Older Adults in England
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating an Educational Program for General Practitioners and Assessing Patient Acceptance of an Adjuvanted Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for Older Adults in England
IRAS ID
253300
Contact name
Simon de Lusignan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Seqirus
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Influenza is associated with a high rate of illness and death annually. Increasing age and a declining immune system results in weaker immune response to vaccines in people aged 65+. Influenza vaccinations in their current form have been shown to be less effective at reducing the occurrence of influenza than a new type of vaccination known as the aTIV. The aTIV works by targeting 3 different types of influenza (the same as the older vaccination), but also includes something called an adjuvant which increases the body’s immune response to the vaccine.
As the aTIV has been found to be more effective at reducing the occurrence of influenza, it is important that we understand health care practitioner (HCP) and patient perspectives about this new vaccination in order to learn what may be stopping patients over 65 accepting this new type of vaccine. This knowledge is essential in ensuring optimal uptake of the new vaccination.
It is therefore proposed that HCP and patient perceptions of costs and benefits, acceptance, and intention to vaccinate with aTIV is investigated. 12 general practices will be recruited to help identify patients who can complete the study. Around 30 patients will be recruited from each practice and will fill in a questionnaire about their views of the new vaccination before seeing HCP and being vaccinated, and then again after.
Additionally, 24 practices will be recruited and the HCPs who administer the vaccinations will be asked to complete a similar questionnaire prior to an online vaccination training course, and then again after. It is estimated that the questionnaires will take 10-15 minutes to complete. Data will be analysed qualitatively to identify patient acceptance, and intention to vaccinate and quantitatively to identify trends before and after vaccination education, and between study and non-study sites in terms of vaccination rates.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0712
Date of REC Opinion
11 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion