Effectiveness of Rapid Verbal Persuasion to Promote Influenza Vaccination: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Influenza vaccination rates remain suboptimal globally, particularly in China, highlighting the need for effective, low-cost interventions. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 30-second Rapid Verbal Persuasion intervention in promoting influenza vaccination uptake among individuals visiting vaccination centers in China. Methods The study was conducted from November 13 to December 7, 2023, across eight primary healthcare centers in three Chinese cities (Ningbo, Hohhot, and Shaoyang). Participants visiting for non-influenza vaccinations were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. In the Rapid Verbal Persuasion group, doctors delivered a 30-second theory-driven message promoting influenza vaccination immediately before administering other vaccines. The control group received standard care without active influenza vaccine promotion. The primary outcome was influenza vaccination uptake within one month. Findings Among 1,922 participants (1,040 intervention, 882 control), the influenza vaccination rate was 14.62% in the intervention group compared to 0.91% in the control group (RR=16.11, 95% CI: 7.96-32.62), indicating a significant increase due to the rapid intervention. Subgroup analyses revealed greater effectiveness among younger, female, better-educated, and urban participants or their companions. Interpretation This 30-second Rapid Verbal Persuasion intervention significantly increased influenza vaccination rates, demonstrating its potential as a simple, cost-effective strategy to address suboptimal vaccination coverage, particularly in resource-limited settings. Future research should explore ways to enhance its impact further, such as combining the intervention with strategies to improve vaccine availability and affordability, targeting adults accompanying children, and testing even shorter messaging. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2300077506