For older adults in assisted living and long-term care (LTC) communities, the risk of vaccine-preventable illnesses is a daily reality that can significantly impact health, independence, and quality of life. As immune systems gradually weaken with age, residents navigating chronic health conditions, mobility limitations, and shared living spaces often face a heightened vulnerability to infections and complications.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month and it provides an opportunity for communities to educate residents and their families on the realities of these illnesses and the protective role of vaccines, providing the information needed to make confident decisions.

Respiratory viruses are a particularly serious concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in the 2024-2025 flu season, adults 65 and older accounted for more than half of the flu-related hospitalizations and more than 70% of the flu-related deaths in the U.S. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also poses a significant threat, leading to an estimated 159,000 hospitalizations among those 65 and older, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for preventing serious illnesses and maintaining health and independence. Yet vaccination gaps persist. While many adults 65 years and older receive some recommended vaccines, only 26% received all age-appropriate recommended vaccines, according to the National Health Interview Survey.

Bridging this gap requires a thoughtful understanding of why residents and their families might have questions about vaccines.

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy

Vaccine hesitancy is when someone declines or delays available vaccines. In assisted living and LTC settings, hesitancy may come from the residents themselves, family members involved in making health decisions, or even staff who deliver care.

Addressing vaccine hesitancy begins with understanding the factors that drive it. Public health experts often describe these drivers using the “3 Cs” framework: confidence, complacency, and convenience.

• Confidence: Certain residents and families may question vaccine safety or effectiveness, and conflicting information found online can contribute to hesitation. This may be particularly true for newer vaccines, such as RSV. Because these vaccines have only recently become available for older adults, more questions may arise about how they work and who should receive them.
• Complacency: Some may underestimate the risk of illnesses like flu or RSV. Because these viruses circulate seasonally, many may view them as routine illnesses rather than serious threats.

• Convenience: Even when residents are willing to receive vaccines, logistical barriers can interfere. Confusion about vaccine schedules, transportation challenges, cost concerns, or limited access to vaccination services can delay timely immunizations.

Understanding these concerns allows communities leadership teams and healthcare providers to respond with targeted education and accessible vaccination opportunities.

Strategies to Address Vaccine Hesitancy

Improving vaccination rates often begins with the care team. Community staff interact with residents and families daily and play an important role in shaping health decisions. Addressing vaccine hesitancy among staff, residents, and families requires a coordinated approach that prioritizes education, trust, and accessibility.

1. Build confidence through open communication

Regular, clear, and consistent communication about vaccine safety, effectiveness, and recommended schedules helps address concerns. Educational sessions or community town halls can provide a welcoming space to ask questions, discuss misconceptions, and reinforce benefits. Providing opportunities for dialogue and a chance to hear credible information from trusted members of the care team, such as your pharmacy partner, can also strengthen confidence.

2. Share relatable stories to combat complacency

While clinical data is important, personal stories often resonate more. Sharing experiences from willing individuals who have faced complications from vaccine-preventable illnesses helps staff, residents, and families better understand and relate to the potential consequences of remaining unvaccinated. Highlighting how vaccination protects both the individual and the broader community encourages a shared sense of responsibility and participation.

3. Eliminate logistical barriers

Convenience plays a major role in vaccine uptake. The easier it is to get vaccinated, the higher the participation rate will likely be at a community. Offering on-site vaccination clinics through your pharmacy partner allows residents and staff to receive vaccines without leaving the comfort of the community or disrupting their daily routines.

Healthcare providers, pharmacy partners, and assisted living staff are among the most trusted sources of vaccine information for residents and their families. Addressing questions and concerns is most effective when these teams work together to share guidance and support. This collaborative approach builds trust and knowledge, positioning your community to better protect residents from vaccine-preventable illnesses.

Contact your local Guardian Pharmacy today to develop a vaccination plan tailored to your community’s needs.