New AAFP resources strengthen adult immunization conversations

By Jordan Wolf

Patients are bringing more questions about adult vaccines into the exam room than ever, and it’s critical that family physicians are equipped to handle them.

Concerns are easier to address when care teams have practical support in place before the visit begins. The AAFP’s new adult immunization resources aim to put that support within reach and help family physicians strengthen vaccine conversations with patients ahead of National Immunization Awareness Month.

Improving adult vaccine uptake remains a pressing priority, as only 23% of people age 19 and older have received all routine vaccines recommended for adults. Family physicians are in a strong position to make a difference, as 97% of family medicine practices administer vaccinations.

Every patient touchpoint is an opportunity to review immunization status, make a clear recommendation and reduce the chance of missing shots. A visit for diabetes, chronic lung disease or medication management may also be the time when a patient learns they are due for influenza, COVID-19, shingles, or another recommended vaccine.

The AAFP’s adult immunization resources are designed to help care teams get more out of patient interactions in a few practical ways:

The AAFP is also accepting applications for two immunization improvement programs that give selected practices structured support to strengthen vaccine conversations and improve care.

Effective vaccine communication starts with giving a recommendation patients can actually understand. A simple, confident statement from a family physician can clarify why a vaccine is recommended, what risk it helps reduce and how it suits the patient’s health history.

When a recommendation calls for shared clinical decision-making, the conversation can shift to the patient’s values, risk factors and preferences while staying grounded in clinical guidance. Consistent messaging across a patient’s care team can make the right recommendation easier to hear, explore and act on.

The new resources from the AAFP support a practical, patient-centered approach to those conversations. They emphasize vaccine confidence, how to overcome barriers to vaccination, drivers of vaccination and intent to vaccinate rather than language that places responsibility on patients for uncertainty.

Before a visit begins, care teams should review patient vaccination history and identify recommended vaccines based on key factors. That preparation can also surface questions the physician may need to address directly before the patient leaves the office.

During an appointment, a physician can use what they’ve learned to come prepared with direct recommendations or responses to the patient’s concerns. If more individualized discussion is required, shared clinical decision-making can help connect the guidance to the patient’s health history, risk factors and preferences.

After a visit, workflow support helps the team close the loop. Care teams can document vaccination, note the reason for deferral when needed and set a follow-up plan for patients who need more time, information or access support.

The next time a patient has a question about adult vaccinations, the AAFP’s new adult immunization resources can help your team be even more prepared. The shared resources section includes practical materials you can use to improve patient conversations, team planning and routine care.

You don’t have to overhaul everything all at once. Pick one resource, explore how it fits into your current workflow and use it to make the next adult vaccine conversation a little easier to start, explain and follow up on.