Vaccine Communication Training for Flu

Age: < 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Rochester
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if training school staff to discuss vaccines and using promotional materials can boost flu vaccination rates among students. Schools will be divided into two groups: one receiving special training and materials, and one without. The trial will track which group achieves higher student vaccination rates by the end of flu season. Students enrolled in a participating school for at least two years are eligible for this study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could improve public health strategies in schools.

What prior data suggests that this vaccine communication training is safe for school personnel?

Research has shown that clear communication about flu vaccines can significantly increase vaccination rates. One study found that when people understand the benefits and safety of flu vaccines, their confidence in getting vaccinated rises, resulting in more individuals receiving the shot.

This trial does not test a medication or vaccine. Instead, it offers a communication training program for school staff. The program teaches them how to discuss flu vaccines effectively, encouraging more students to get vaccinated.

The training involves no health risks. It focuses on learning and practicing new communication techniques. The goal is to help everyone understand the importance of flu vaccination, which can keep more people healthy during flu season.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Vaccine Communication Training for flu because it's not about a new drug or vaccine but about improving how healthcare providers talk to patients about flu vaccinations. Unlike standard flu prevention methods, which focus on the vaccines themselves, this approach aims to enhance communication skills to better address patients' concerns and increase vaccination rates. By focusing on effective communication, the goal is to build trust, provide clear information, and ultimately improve public health outcomes by encouraging more people to get vaccinated.

What evidence suggests that this vaccine communication training is effective for increasing flu vaccination rates?

This trial will evaluate the impact of Vaccine Communication Training on flu vaccination rates. Research has shown that clear communication about vaccines can significantly increase vaccination uptake. Studies have found that when people receive clear and convincing information about the flu vaccine, they better understand its benefits. For instance, knowing that the flu vaccine can reduce the chances of illness, hospitalization, or serious flu-related complications makes people more likely to get vaccinated. This type of communication has been linked to increased vaccination rates in communities. While the flu vaccine's effectiveness can vary, typically ranging from 40% to 60% for certain illnesses, effective communication can maximize its benefits. Overall, improving vaccine communication is believed to increase vaccination rates and protect more people from the flu.678910

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

I have been a student at my current school for at least one year.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

School personnel complete an online training module and optional workshop on vaccine communication; schools utilize vaccine promotional materials

Flu season
Online training and workshops

Tracking

Schools track student vaccination rates

Flu season

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in vaccination rates after the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Vaccine Communication Training

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Rochester

Lead Sponsor

Trials
883
Recruited
555,000+

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Collaborator

Trials
902
Recruited
25,020,000+

Citations

Communicating the Value of Influenza Vaccines to Patients

Although a vaccine effectiveness of 40% to 60% against outpatient illness may be considered modest by some, similar effectiveness against influenza-related ...

Candid Communication About the Flu Shot | Pediatrics

During the 2022 to 2023 season, influenza VE estimates against pediatric outpatient visits were 68% (95% CI, 59–76) in Europe8 and 48% (95% CI, ...

What To Know About the Effectiveness of the Influenza ...

The authors concluded they were “unable to find that the influenza vaccine has been effective in preventing infection during the 2024-2025 ...

Prior Vaccination and Effectiveness of Communication ... - PMC

We tested the effect of prior vaccination on response to communication strategies in a hypothetical news article about an influenza pandemic.

Interim Estimates of 2025–26 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine ...

This report describes interim estimates of 2025-26 seasonal flu vaccine effectiveness.

Promoting influenza vaccination: Insights from a qualitative ...

A qualitative meta-analysis of 29 unpublished, primarily qualitative CDC-sponsored studies related to flu and flu vaccination knowledge, attitudes and beliefs ...

Promoting influenza vaccination: Insights from a qualitative ...

Communication research can inform and strengthen: (1) how the benefits, value, and risk of recommended vaccinations are framed or presented to those people the ...

Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines

This report focuses on recommendations for the use of vaccines for the prevention and control of seasonal influenza during the 2024–25 influenza season in the ...

Patient and member engagement improves flu vaccination ...

Influenza vaccines lower the risk requiring a doctor's care during flu season by 40% to 60%. Leadership implemented UpToDate® Outreach interactive voice ...

Flu vaccination and effective communication...

The risk of very rare complications of the vaccine, like Guillain-Barre' Syndrome (GBS), is a more frequent complication of influenza infection ...