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Spanish-Eng. Translation
People lack confidence in H1N1 vaccine
Reasons for not being vaccinated in 2010, 45% said they believed that the swine flu epidemic was exaggerated in 2009, 44% mentioned being worried about side effects that could lead to vaccine, and 28% claimed to believe that the vaccine does not work. / Photo: CDC
voanoticias.com
Publication Date:
Sat, October 23, 2010 14:41:00
A new health survey of Consumer Reports reveals that an alarming proportion of groups "at risk" will not receive the influenza vaccine in 2010.
Most worrisome is that only 40% of Americans at risk, ie those who care for children and young people working in residential or nursing homes, hospitals or other health environment, said they plan to take the vaccine this year.
A combination of seasonal influenza and swine influenza (H1N1) in 2009, while 28% said they definitely would not take the vaccine.
"It is disturbing that there are people who care for children and elderly who do not think the vaccine. These health workers are more likely to spread disease and transmit it to the people they care for. And it's no secret that young children and people higher risk of major complications, "said Dr. Orly Avitzur, medical consultant to Consumer Reports Health.
Only 45% of Americans at risk of health said they plan to get vaccinated against influenza. This includes people with asthma, people with diabetes, people with heart problems, and those with immune system problems or neurological disorders. People with these conditions are more likely to record complications of influenza.
Reasons for not being vaccinated in 2010, 45% said they believed that the swine flu epidemic was exaggerated in 2009, 44% mentioned being worried about side effects that could lead to vaccine, and 28% claimed to believe that the vaccine does not work.