Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards immunization among adult population in a tertiary care hospital-exploratory survey.

PURPOSE: Adult immunization is underutilized in India due to limited awareness, inconsistent provider recommendations, and vaccine hesitancy. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward adult vaccination and evaluate the impact of educational interventions on vaccine uptake.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

An exploratory cross-sectional survey was conducted among 539 adults (≥18 years) attending inpatient and outpatient services in a tertiary care private hospital, Hyderabad, between September and December 2023. Data on awareness, attitudes, and vaccination history were collected using a structured questionnaire. Vaccine consumption rates in 2023 (pre-intervention) and 2024 (post-intervention) were compared to assess behavioural change. Descriptive statistics were applied for analysis. An educational intervention was carried out by the clinical pharmacist and physicians on the prominence of adult immunization for the participants. Adult immunizations were offered to all participants, subject to purchase, and were subsequently administered at the Adult Immunization Center.

RESULTS

Of the respondents, 61% were male and 39% female. A majority (94%) agreed that adults should be vaccinated, and 92% recognized the importance of timely immunization. However, only 62% reported receiving provider recommendations, and 66% had been educated on vaccination. Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination was the most common (n=493), followed by hepatitis B (n=92), tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) (n=68), and Influenza (n=63). Post-intervention analysis showed substantial increases in vaccine uptake: human papillomavirus (+116.9%), shingles (+421.4%), hepatitis A (+74.5%), and Tdap (+34.1%).

CONCLUSION

While awareness and positive attitudes toward adult immunization are high, gaps persist in education and provider recommendation. Educational interventions significantly improved vaccine uptake, underscoring the role of clinical pharmacists in bridging the knowledge-practice gap and enhancing adult vaccination uptake.