Pharmacy and Theatre collaborate to address vaccine confidence in older adults

A unique and artistic twist is being utilized to address low immunization rates among older adults, blending Auburn University’s three core missions of outreach, education and research.

The Harrison College of Pharmacy (HCOP), the College of Liberal Arts and the Department of Theatre and Dance are collaborating on an interdisciplinary project called Acting on Health: Applied Theatre Interventions to Enhance Vaccine Confidence Among Older Adults. Through compelling theatrical performances delivered by the Mosaic Theatre Company, it is hoped to raise awareness about recommended vaccinations for older adults.

Comprised of Auburn University students, the Department of Theatre and Dance’s Mosaic Theatre Company (MTC) is dedicated to the creation and performance of original works of theatre, which foster constructive community conversations about urgent social issues.

Joining the students were Dr. Tessa Carr, professor, department chair and MTC co-director, as well as Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha, assistant professor and MTC co-director. A professional actor, director and producer, Murtadha wrote the screenplay for the January 21 performance, titled A Little TLC (Trust, Lollipops, and Care).

Murtadha noted that one of his inspirations for the screenplay during early interviews was how deeply issues of trust shape people’s decisions about health. “Some of the older adults shared how difficult it can be to place confidence in large systems that feel distant from their everyday lives,” said Murtadha.

Dr. Salisa Westrick, Sterling Professor and department head in Health Outcomes Research and Policy, Dr. Lena McDowell, associate clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, and doctoral graduate student Oluchukwu Ezeala represented the Harrison College of Pharmacy.

A Q&A session was held with the audience following the students’ theatrical performance, delivered at Pebble Hill to community members from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). Additionally, pre and post-performance survey data was collected from the audience members.

Moderated by McDowell, the Q&A session covered the medical and pharmaceutical aspects of various vaccines. The result was a positive and informative discussion that engaged much of the audience.

“The thoughtful questions after the performance were inspiring, and the conversations showed how meaningful open dialogue can be in building trust and strengthening understanding,” said McDowell.

The startup funding for this project has been provided by the Auburn University Outreach Office.

“The sharing of stories and experiences alongside questions regarding vaccine efficacy and access are the outcomes that we hoped the performance would foster,” said Carr. “It speaks to the power of live performance to create an opening for dialogue about any subject.”

The goal of the initial stage of this project is to collect data from three community-setting events that should support the expansion of this initiative to under-vaccinated populations in Alabama.

“After more than two decades of conducting research to improve vaccine uptake among both patients and providers, this is the first time we have launched a theater‑based intervention—and it has been a truly inspiring experience,” said Westrick. The script was developed through field research and brought to life by our phenomenal partners in the theatre department, resulting in an engaging and entertaining way to deliver critical health messages to our community.”