Publications [#301683] of Peter A Ubel

Journal Articles

1. Armstrong, K; Berlin, M; Schwartz, JS; Propert, K; Ubel, PA, Educational content and the effectiveness of influenza vaccination reminders., Journal of general internal medicine, vol. 14 no. 11 (November, 1999), pp. 695-698, ISSN 0884-8734 [10571718], [doi]
   (last updated on 2026/01/17)

   Abstract:
   

   Objective

   To determine if a mailed patient education brochure (addressing demonstrated reasons for vaccination refusal) would result in a higher rate of influenza vaccination than a mailed postcard reminder without educational content.

   Design

   Randomized, controlled trial.

   Setting

   Urban, predominantly African-American, low-income community.

   Participants

   There were 740 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older in the study.

   Measurements

   Receipt of influenza vaccination and beliefs about influenza and influenza vaccination were measured by telephone survey self-report.

   Main results

   We successfully contacted 202 individuals (69.9%) who received the postcard reminder and 229 individuals (71.1%) who received the educational brochure. People receiving the educational brochure were more likely to report influenza vaccination during the previous vaccination season than those who received the postcard reminder (66.4% vs 56.9%, p =.04). They also reported more interest in influenza vaccination in the coming year. (66.5% vs 57.1%, p =.05).

   Conclusions

   A mailed educational brochure is more effective than a simple reminder in increasing influenza vaccination rates among inner-city, elderly patients.