This document summarizes a study on flu myths, prevention, and vaccination. It finds that 40% of Americans believe the false myth that the flu vaccine can cause the flu. The study surveyed 50 families and found that 8% received the FluMist vaccine, 58% received a shot, and 34% did not get vaccinated. The top reasons for no vaccination were having a child under 6 months or being too busy. Most participants felt vaccines were somewhat to very effective and safe, though some had somewhat low opinions of susceptibility. Posters and brochures may help increase vaccination rates.

1. Flu: Myths, Prevention & Vaccines
Sameerah Jones, Intern
Dr. Vijaya Radhakrishna
• To evaluate patient’s
understanding of the influenza
virus
• To provide information on the
influenza virus and the
importance of vaccination
• An average of 20% of
Americans are diagnosed with
the influenza virus
• Over 200,000 people are
hospitalized as a result of the
influenza virus
• 40% of Americans believe the
flu vaccine can cause the flu, a
very common myth
• Teaching people the
importance of vaccination can
lead to a decrease in the
epidemic of the flu
• The addition of posters and
brochures in the office can
lead to more children receiving
the flu vaccine next flu season.
• I would like to thank Dr. Vijaya
Radhakrishna, my preceptor
and the rest of the office staff,
and Tamara Swedberg for their
support during the semester
and internship.
• 50 families were asked a 10
question survey
• Survey questions ranged from
demographics to susceptibility
Purpose
Significance
Outcomes
Evaluation
Acknowledgements
8%
58%
34%
Total Population
Flumist
Shot
No Vaccination
23%
23%
54%
Reasons Children did not get vaccinated
Child 0-6mo
Child away or busy
Parents concerned
about common flu
myths
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Very High Somewhat
High
Somewhat
Low
Very Low
**
Not At All
Effectiveness
Safety
Susceptability
Vaccine Safety, Effectiveness and Child Susceptibility
• Total Sample Population: 95
Children
• Mode of Each Demographics
Category:
• Race: Indian
• Level of Education:
Bachelor’s
• Number of Children: 2
Dr. Radhakrishna & Associates
PROVIDING TOP-RATED CHILDCARE FOR DECADES…
Methodology
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