A FAITH-BASED education program markedly improved recombinant zoster vaccine knowledge and intent in vulnerable adults.
Faith Based Outreach Targets Vaccine Gaps
Low uptake of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) persists in the USA, particularly among racially and ethnically minoritized communities facing higher social vulnerability. Investigators evaluated a community educational approach in San Bernardino County, California, partnering with five churches located in neighborhoods with high Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Social Vulnerability Index scores. From August to December 2024, participants attended a 45-minute presentation covering shingles, complications, and vaccine recommendations, then completed pre and post surveys assessing attitudes, knowledge, and intended behaviors.
Recombinant Zoster Vaccine Literacy Improves After Education
Among 156 adults completing the baseline survey and 134 completing the post survey, all participants identified as racially and ethnically minoritized and nearly all lived in highly vulnerable neighborhoods. Many had comorbid illness, and more than half reported never receiving prior information or a recommendation about RZV. Baseline perceptions also suggested underestimation of risk, with most participants rating shingles as unlikely and often expecting mild symptoms.
After the session, participants rated the education highly for raising awareness of shingles severity, clarifying benefits, and strengthening trust in vaccine safety. Knowledge gains were statistically significant across all four true or false literacy items, including age based recommendations, vaccine immune response, symptom reduction, and the ability to receive shingles and influenza vaccines on the same day. Intent also shifted, with most respondents reporting a high likelihood of receiving RZV and recommending it to family or friends.
Clinical Takeaway for Adult Immunization
This pre post analysis supports the feasibility and acceptability of church anchored, community led education to address barriers to recombinant zoster vaccine uptake in socially vulnerable populations. For clinicians, the findings reinforce the value of proactive, plain language counseling on shingles risk, two dose series recommendations, co administration opportunities, and practical access and coverage considerations.
Reference
Abdul Mutakabbir JC et al. Mitigating Vaccine Disparities Through Faith Based Intervention: A Pre Post Analysis of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine Knowledge and Acceptance in Socially Vulnerable Racial and Ethnic Minoritized Communities. Infect Dis Ther. 2026;DOI:10.1007/s40121-026-01310-x.
Featured image: Anton Gvozdikov on Adobe Stock
