This community- and web-based randomized trial was conducted among older adults (aged 60 and above) in Lanzhou New Area, Gansu Province, China, in March 2025. Lanzhou New Area has seven community health service centers under its jurisdiction, all of which participated in this survey with a total of 80 family doctor teams completing at least 20 household surveys each. Each center completed 183 to 524 subjects. During the survey, participants were randomly assigned to one of eight parallel groups through an online platform. In total, 2167 participants were included. Seven nudge methods and one control message were applied to advocate the vaccination. Overall, the rate of vaccination willingness is 19.20%. People without prior influenza experience were less willing to vaccinate. Among unvaccinated individuals, video nudge significantly increased willingness, particularly among those worried about side effects. While for previously vaccinated participants, most nudge methods were negatively associated with willingness, with stronger effects observed in those without prior influenza experience. These findings demonstrate that nudge effectiveness is contingent on both vaccination history and perceived barriers. Tailored video and loss-framing nudges may promote vaccination willingness among unvaccinated older adults, whereas indiscriminate application to previously vaccinated individuals may paradoxically reduce willingness through psychological reactance.