Key Vaccine Information

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Consumer Reports Flu Poll: Approximately Three Out of 10 Health Care Workers 'Living in a Bubble,' Not Getting Flu Vaccine

**Make SURE YOU get your Flu shot, but your doctor probably isn't going to follow that advice. Medical Professionals, traditionally, have hovered around the 40% mark for getting their flu shots. This is no surprise as they know that they 1) don't work and 2) have real health risks associated with them and 3) the flu is not that bad.**

YONKERS, N.Y., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new Consumer Reports Health poll reveals a disconcerting proportion of "at risk" groups who will not get the flu vaccine this year. Of most concern, only 40% of Americans in the "work risk" category—meaning those who care for young children and those who work in residential nursing homes, hospitals, and other health care environments—said they would definitely get the vaccine this year, which combines the seasonal and the 2009 H1N1 (swine) flus, while 28% said they would definitely not get the vaccine.

"It's troubling to hear that people caring for young children, including infants, and the elderly are not planning on getting the vaccine. These health care workers are among the most likely to catch the disease and spread it to individuals in their care. And it's no secret that small children and the elderly are at high risk for complications and even death," said Orly Avitzur, M.D., medical adviser, Consumer Reports Health. Poll highlights and guidance for flu and other vaccines are available online at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.

Read the Full Story Here

Previous Polls For Health Professionals

CDC On Vaccination Rates for Health Care Professionals
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new recommendations last week in an effort to push the percentage of healthcare workers who receive influenza shots above the 40% range, where it has been stalled for years.

2006 US
Only 40% Doctors Vaccinated against Flu

2008 Canada
"We even have difficulty getting more than 50 per cent of doctors and nurses to be immunized against the flu."

2006-2007 Flu Season
Only 40% of Doctors Take Flu Shot

Swine Flu Shot of 2009
Half of GPs refuse swine flu vaccine over testing fears

1 comment:

  1. If the truth was known, it's probably higher than three out of ten.

    Many doctors are NOT arm twisted as their staff is to take these and MANY doctors (according to many other doctors) don't take vaccines themselves.

    ReplyDelete