Abstract
The herpes zoster vaccine is recommended for use in adults 60 years of age and older to reduce the incidence and morbidity associated with infection. Its limited uptake has been attributed to logistical barriers, but uncertain efficacy and safety in subsets of this patient population could also be contributing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current vaccination practices, barriers to vaccination, knowledge of vaccination reimbursement and strategies to evaluate for insurance coverage among an urban, safety net, teaching hospital, geriatric primary care provider group through a survey administered via paper and online platforms. Survey participants (n = 10) reported lack of availability of the vaccine in their practice settings (6/10), with half of providers (5/10) referring patients to outside pharmacies or to other practice settings (2/10) for vaccine administration. Reimbursement issues and storage requirements were perceived as major barriers by 40% (4/10) of providers, whereas 80% (8/10) of providers reported that concerns about safety and effectiveness of the vaccine were not major barriers to vaccination. Logistical barriers, rather than concerns about safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, were reported as major barriers to vaccination by a significant portion of providers. Lack of availability and reimbursement problems for practice sites allow for gaps in care. Partnership with community and long-term care pharmacies could serve as a possible solution.
Highlights
Herpes zoster (HZ) primarily burdens older adults
We found that logistical barriers, mainly reimbursement issues and storage requirements, were considered the major barriers to vaccination among survey participants, as opposed to concerns for vaccine safety and effectiveness
Reimbursement problems for practice sites and storage requirements were perceived as major barriers by 40% (4/10) of providers
Summary
The incidence of HZ infections increases with age due to the loss of cell-mediated immunity to the varicella zoster virus [1]. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends vaccination in individuals 60 years of age and older [2]. While these recommendations have been in place since 2008, vaccination rates have remained low with only 24.2% of eligible individuals being vaccinated in 2013 [3]. Incidence of HZ has not decreased over time, which suggests low vaccination rates [4]. ACIP recommendations for HZ vaccination include those living in long-term care facilities (LTCF), vaccination rates specific to this population are not commonly reported. It is likely that rates in this population are similar to overall published rates
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
