Tuesday, December 15, 2015

"Survey finds public skeptical of flu shots"

From JSOnline:

A Walgreen’s customer gets a flu vaccination.  

Associated Press

By Crocker Stephenson of the Journal Sentinel

"With the height of the influenza season fast approaching, a survey published Tuesday by the federal Department of Health and Human Services found a sizable number of Americans are skeptical that a flu shot makes much of a difference.

"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

 "Paul Biedrzycki, director of disease control and environmental health at the Milwaukee Health Department, said the vaccine is a powerful preventative to reduce the severity of flu symptoms and to tamp down spread of the disease.

"'It's still the best tool we have,' he said.

 "But less than half of those surveyed —43%—said they strongly believed a flu vaccination would help protect them from the illness and nearly a third —32%—said they didn’t think it would help at all.

 "The Harris Poll online survey was conducted in mid-October among 2,225 adults. Because the sample in based on those who agreed to participate in Harris Poll surveys, no sampling error could be calculated."

Read more:  http://www.jsonline.com/news/health/survey-finds-public-skeptical-flu-shots-make-a-difference-b99634959z1-362539431.html


I got my flu shot early this year.

3 comments:

lizardmom said...

I got my flu shot and have had both pneumonia shots. With my asthma, it can escalate too fast, hopefully it keeps the wicked cooties at bay

Toad said...

My Doctor, and Nurse keep trying to sell me one, and I don't quite understand? They call It FREE, but MEDICARE will certainly be billed for It. Maybe they get more money than usual for Flu Shots from Medicare than other things?

kkdither said...

I got mine. If you've ever had any serious lung issue, you know you don't want to put yourself in that situation again.

Toad, not only are you protecting yourself, you are protecting those who can't get one. You are protecting those too young to be vaccinated, or those who can not for allergy or other medical reasons. I think they call it herd immunity? If a certain percent of the population gets vaccinated, it makes it safer for everyone.