OBJECTIVES: Zoster, pneumonia, and influenza vaccination rates among eligible older adults remain suboptimal, especially in minority populations. Improved knowledge about vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccination may be a key component in improving vaccination rates among older minorities. Vaccine Education through Pharmacists and Senior Centers (VEPSC) is a community-based vaccine education program delivered by either pharmacists (PHARM) or peer educators (PEER) and aimed at improving knowledge and beliefs about vaccination, with focus on zoster, pneumonia, and influenza. Purpose of VEPSC is to compare costs and outcomes of PHARM vs PEER. Objective of this abstract is to present interim baseline knowledge findings.

METHODS: VEPSC was delivered to small groups of older adults in the senior center setting in northwest Philadelphia in Fall 2017. Program featured a guided conversation about presentation, progression, and prevention of 3 disease states (zoster, pneumonia, influenza), followed by an interactive roleplay exercise designed to address common misconceptions and fears about vaccines. Baseline mean knowledge score (MKS) was assessed using a 3-section, 22-item instrument (8 zoster questions, 7 questions each for influenza and pneumonia; maximum achievable score=22). Baseline demographics and knowledge were assessed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: 45 participants completed baseline assessment. Mean age was 71.9 years (SD 8.4, range 57-93). 28 (62.2%) were female; 44 (97.8%) were African American. Baseline zoster MKS was 4.0/8 (50.0% correct responses), pneumonia MKS was 3.5/7 (50.0%), and influenza MKS 4.3/7 (61.4%). Baseline MKS did not statistically differ by disease. Total baseline MKS was 11.8/22 (53.6%).

CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary baseline results indicate that knowledge of these vaccine-preventable diseases is low, with somewhat greater knowledge about influenza than about zoster and pneumonia. Results indicate a clear need to improve knowledge about vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases in this population. Future work includes assessing knowledge change by treatment arm and comparing costs and outcomes of PEER to PHARM.