WED-072 - How Do We Raise Adult Vaccination Rates in MO?
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM PST
Location: Plaza Foyer, Plaza Level
Area of Responsibility: Area I: Assessment of Needs and Capacity Keywords: Health Communication@@@Immunization@@@Program Planning, Subcompetencies: 4.5.4 Translate findings into practice and interventions. 5.1 Identify a current or emerging health issue requiring policy, systems, or environmental , 5.2 Engage coalitions and stakeholders in addressing the health issue and planning advocacy efforts. Research or Practice: Practice
Associate Teaching Professor University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri, United States
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Analyze 3 key barriers to adult vaccination identified through qualitative methods, using the “Three Cs” model and the Vaccine Hesitancy Determinants Matrix for purposes of program planning.
Translate findings into at least 3 key strategies for improving adult vaccination rates based on the qualitative findings from community conversations convened by MU Extension.
Demonstrate the value of partnering with MU Extension professionals and convening community leaders in understanding local barriers to vaccinations in rural and urban areas of Missouri.
Brief Abstract Summary: Gain perspectives and community-driven insights into adult vaccine hesitancy across Missouri, where University of Missouri Extension faculty facilitated conversations in nine regions. Using qualitative analysis and established models, they identified convenience—such as clinic hours, transportation, and cost—as the most cited barrier, followed by confidence issues like mistrust and misinformation. Findings underscore the need for flexible vaccine access, transparent communication, and stronger partnerships to guide future Extension-led strategies for improving adult vaccination rates statewide.
Detailed abstract description:
Background: University of Missouri (MU) Extension Community Health field faculty serve as trusted leaders in both rural and urban communities. Leveraging this role, Extension faculty convened community conversations to better understand perceptions of adult vaccines and inform tailored educational opportunities and strategies.
Methods: In May 2025, concurrent community conversations were held in nine locations across Missouri using a standardized guidebook with seven key questions. Designated note-takers documented participant responses, which were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative methods. Two independent reviewers coded responses, applying the “Three Cs” model of vaccine hesitancy (convenience, confidence, complacency) and the Vaccine Hesitancy Determinants Matrix to identify themes.
Results: A total of 139 participants representing 59 counties (>50% of Missouri counties) engaged in the convenings. The most frequently cited barrier was convenience, including limited access to after-hours clinics, transportation challenges, and uncertainty about costs. Confidence concerns, such as mistrust and misinformation, were also prevalent, while complacency was less commonly noted. Participants emphasized the importance of partnerships for improving vaccine access and education.
Discussion: These findings highlight the need for Extension faculty to expand vaccine communication strategies while addressing convenience barriers possible through flexible clinic hours, special vaccine events, transparent communication about costs, and transportation support. Strengthening collaborations between health care providers and community partners emerged as a key opportunity. These insights will guide future Extension-led initiatives to improve adult vaccination rates statewide.
