U.S. Public Underestimates Threat of Influenza, Survey Finds
More than half of U.S. residents underestimate the seriousness of the flu, which could be a reason why many did not receive the flu vaccine in the 2004-2005 season, according to a study published in the May/June edition of Health Affairs, CQ HealthBeat reports (CQ HealthBeat, 5/10). For the study -- led by Catherine DesRoches -- a research scientist at the Harvard School of Public Health, 1,227 adults were surveyed between Oct. 29 and Nov. 9, 2004, to determine public response to the flu vaccine shortage in 2004 and implications for the future. The study found the following:
- 66% of respondents believed their community was experiencing a flu vaccine shortage;
- Of those respondents, 31% were "very concerned" and 31% were "somewhat concerned" about the shortage;
- 39% said they believed drug manufacturers and the pharmaceutical industry were responsible for the shortage, while 29% cited the federal government;
- 45% said government health agencies should be responsible for ensuring an adequate vaccine supply;
- 56% of respondents said doctors and nurses should decide who receives a flu shot in the event of a shortage, not the federal government;
- 35% said the best way to distribute the vaccine fairly is to allow doctors and nurses to decide who receives one on a case-by-case basis;
- 54% believe vaccines should be retained for high-risk groups to ensure fair distribution;
- 14% said they were "very confident" that the government and pharmaceutical companies would be able to ensure vaccines were distributed fairly;
- 62% said those who are not at high risk should not receive the vaccine so it can be reserved for patients who need it more;
- 54% said last year's flu vaccine was "somewhat" effective; and
- 30% said they would be "very" willing and 27% would be "somewhat" willing to take a vaccine imported from a foreign country if no other options were available.