How to encourage patients to get the new 2024-2025 COVID vaccines

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized the 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 and Novavax COVID-19 vaccines in August 2024. With the new Omicron variants circulating this year, the public is strongly encouraged to get these updated vaccines to reduce the spread of the virus. 

As we enter the colder seasons when viruses thrive, it is up to you, the healthcare provider, to ensure your patients are well-informed and encouraged to stay up-to-date on their shots.

Here are some methods you can adopt to motivate your patients to get the updated COVID-19 vaccines.

Several variations of SARS-CoV-2 have occurred since its introduction to the United States in 2020. According to John Lowe, MD, a physician at Restore Care in Ogden, Utah, a revised formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine can protect patients from more severe complications of the virus.

“The latest vaccine will give better protection by focusing on new viruses like Omicron, which are more infectious,” Dr. Lowe says. “This new vaccine will decrease the incidence of severe disease, hospitalization, and long-term effects of illness and complications.”

The biggest difference between the new COVID-19 shots and the older ones is that they are called “updated” vaccinations. This is much different from a booster, which is the same vaccine given in separate doses. The new updated COVID-19 vaccine matches the current strain circulating to keep up with new virus mutations. 

You play a major role in your patient's health decisions. As we enter the vaccine season, ensure you and your practice are well-equipped to drive a high vaccination uptake. 

There are many reasons why patients might be weary to get the new COVID-19 shot, but safety concerns and misconceptions typically top the list. Ensure your practice is prepared to address patients’ concerns with compassion and supporting evidence.

“To address hesitancy, I focus on education,” says Sazan Sylejmani, PharmD, the pharmacy manager at Westmont Pharmacy in Chicago. “I ask open-ended questions to identify concerns, then share facts on safety, effectiveness, and benefits to community health.”

You and your staff can implement several strategies to encourage patient adherence to the updated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. 

Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based approach that may ease patients’ hesitancy about the vaccine. It is an evidence-based and culturally competent method for speaking with unvaccinated patients about getting the vaccine. By using this technique, you can encourage patients on the fence to make healthy choices that align with their values and needs.

If you personally recommend it, your patients are much more likely to get vaccinated. According to a 2021 study, a healthcare provider’s recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccination was linked to an increased likelihood of a patient getting at least one dose of the vaccine. 

Many patients want to receive the most up-to-date information on the ever-evolving COVID-19 vaccines. That said, pamphlets provide a thorough overview of the updated vaccines. 

Also, if you have an email newsletter, you can share the latest vaccine updates while encouraging patients to visit the office to get the shot. 

Here are ways you can make the vaccination process easier for patients.

Use technology to your benefit to ensure a stress-free process. Have patients complete vaccine eligibility and appointment scheduling online to prevent overcrowding (and the spread of the virus) and keep your practice organized.

Patients have daily obligations that can make getting to the doctor’s office challenging. To increase accessibility and convenience, pick a specific day (or days) and set hours to take walk-ins for the updated vaccination. 

It’s also easy for patients to forget their appointments. Have your staff send email and text reminders to notify them when they’re due for their vaccination.

Community collaboration is critical to increasing vaccine uptake. Connect with community leaders from nearby churches, homeless shelters, and recreation centers to spread the word about the availability of updated vaccines.

Make sure you’re connecting with all your patients with the following tips.

Proper dosing for the updated vaccine varies depending on the patient’s age. This 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule is a helpful guide for you, your staff, and your patients to review the recommended dosing schedule for the new updated vaccine this season. 

Certain groups have a higher risk of experiencing severe complications from SARS-CoV-2. These populations include older adults, those who are immunocompromised, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, pregnant people, and low-income individuals. As you work with these patients, ensure you’re tailoring the conversations to speak to their lifestyle and health needs. 

When it comes to younger patients, it’s important to convey to hesitant parents the safety and efficacy of these vaccinations. “Stress to the parents that age-appropriate vaccines have been studied in detail and are found to be safe and effective,” Dr. Lowe says. Be sure to dispel misinformation, actively listen to their concerns, and reassure them that you have their children’s best interests in mind.

Here’s how you can sustain your vaccination efforts and increase patient adherence.

As you administer the updated vaccines, monitor the percentage of patients getting vaccinated and whether or not you see a decrease or uptick in new COVID-19 cases in your area. This data can help you measure effectiveness and identify whether your strategies are working.

Patient education shouldn’t stop once they’ve gotten the vaccine. “I frequently update patients on new recommendations, evolving science, and how boosters restore waning immunity,” says Dr. Sylejmani. “For instance, as new variants emerge, I explain how updated shots provide optimal protection and why protection from initial doses may fade over time.”

As a healthcare provider, you play a significant role in guiding patients to make decisions about their health. Because of this, continuous education is necessary to ensure you provide your patients with the most up-to-date and accurate information on COVID-19. You can do this by attending seminars, taking certificate courses, and getting training. 

Vaccinations are a vital part of public health, but misinformation and distrust deter many from getting the shot. Ensure you and your practice are well-prepared to overcome patient hesitancy and protect your community against this ever-evolving virus by using the above-mentioned tips.

View our 2024 Patient Perspectives Report to learn how to increase patient satisfaction and trust in your practice.