SWA 16

"Vitals Finds The Flu Shot Is Still Divisive." Biotech Business 25.1 (2012): 7-8. Business Source Premier. Web. 28 Feb. 2012.

This current source, found through the library database, discusses a recent survey which found that many people do not get the shot due to misconceptions surrounding it.  The flu shot was developed in 1945, but recently, the shot has sprung myths.  A common myth is that the shot can cause the flu instead of preventing it in some cases.  This source shows that in reality, the shot’s side effects are often misinterpreted as the flu.  The shot can cause low fever and achiness for 1 to 2 days as a side effect- not the flu.  Another reason for this misconception is that it takes up to 2 weeks for the shot to take effect. 

May, David.  "Science friction." Modern Healthcare 05 Dec. 2011: 24. Business Source Premier. Web. 28 Feb. 2012.

This article is filled with opinion, as it is an editorial argument.  Never the less, it is backed by facts.  The author says that parents have begun choosing not to vaccinate their children for with the common childhood shots for reasons such as religion, the idea that vaccines are risky to other aspects of health and can cause autism, despite contrary data.  Adults do not get the flu vaccine for the same reasons.  Caregivers all too often put patients at risk by opting out of the shot themselves. 

Words to search:

Flu shot

Elderly

Flu myths

Flu Vaccine Risk