Spotlight on Immunization Month and Frailty Prevention

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. We're highlighting a growing challenge to public health: the spread of vaccine misinformation and disinformation. False and misleading information is contributing to declining confidence in vaccines and increasing mistrust in science, with some communities experiencing lower immunization rates that put them at greater risk of disease outbreaks. To help people navigate the information they encounter online, Immunize Canada has developed a fact sheet and other myth-busting resources designed to separate fact from fiction.

Dr. Patrick McGowan, IALH's Associate Director, Professor, and Director of Self-Management BC, recently published the results of a peer-led intervention program for preventing frailty in older adults. The intervention provided education on incorporating the Canadian Frailty Network AVOID (Activity, Vaccinate, Optimize Medication, Interact, and Diet & Nutrition) strategies using three Self-Management support strategies. The study found that pairing peer coaches with mildly frail adults (65 years and older) to learn self-management strategies resulted in slowing down the progression of frailty. In addition, participants showed improved physical functioning (less pain), increased social functioning, and a better impression of general health after 10 months.

In terms of vaccinations, 67% of participants who were interviewed after the duration the project reported they had already received their recommended vaccinations. Meanwhile, four people said the program reminded them to update their immunizations.

Learn more about the Self-Management Frailty Coaching Program here. It is a free, telephone-based program that supports adults in BC who wish to prevent and/or slow down the progression of frailty.