SWA 17

Heimberger, Tracey, et al. Knowledge and Attitudes of Healthcare Workers about Influenza: Why Are They Not Getting Vaccinated? N.p.: The University of Chicago Press , 1995. JSTOR. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. <http://www.jstor.org/
stable/30141897>.

A study was done to determine why many people working in a hospital (from doctors to non-health related jobs) works refused the flu vaccine.  The study found that the major reasons for not getting the shot, in both medical and non-medical personal, were fear of side effects and “avoidance of medication.”  The study also found that younger employees were less likely to get the vaccine than older employees, over the age of 50.  People who had had the shot the before were more open to getting it again.  Also, people with chronic diseases, such as heart-disease, were more likely to get the shot.  The one reason employees said they would get the shot was based on knowledge that doing so could not cause the flu.  The discussion suggest the following strategies for increased vaccination rates: letter, convenient vaccine locations/ times, forms of refusal, informative pamphlets and video.  

"March of Dimes Urges Pregnant Women to Get a Flu Shot." Vaccine Weekly 21 Sept. 2011: 23. Expanded Academic ASAP. Web. 28 Feb. 2012.

The article “March of Dimes Urges Pregnant Women to Get a Flu Shot” is likely writen from a somewhat bias perspective because it was published in Vaccine Weekly.  However, the source was published recently on September 21, 2011.  The article argues that all expecting mothers should get the vaccine for the protection of their unborn children and for themselves, whom have weaker immune systems while pregnant.  When an expecting mother has the shot, the immunization is passed on to the baby for a few months after birth as well.  The statistics presented in the article revealed that pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized because of the flu, as opposed to other women.  The article also states that the shot reduces the chances of premature birth during flu season.