A faith-based education program has significantly improved knowledge and intent regarding the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) in vulnerable adults. The initiative targeted low RZV uptake in racially and ethnically minoritized communities in San Bernardino County, California, partnering with five churches in highly vulnerable neighborhoods. Participants received a 45-minute presentation on shingles, its complications, and vaccine recommendations.
Post-session surveys revealed that participants highly rated the education for increasing awareness of shingles severity, clarifying vaccine benefits, and building trust in vaccine safety. Knowledge about RZV, including age-based recommendations and co-administration with influenza vaccines, saw statistically significant improvements. Intent to receive RZV and recommend it to others also rose substantially.
This church-anchored, community-led education demonstrates a feasible and acceptable approach to overcoming barriers to RZV uptake in socially vulnerable populations. The findings underscore the importance of proactive, clear counseling by clinicians on shingles risk, the two-dose series, and practical access to vaccines.