The Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) released public opinion survey results today identifying possible cultural barriers that hinder flu vaccination among the county’s residents, with a particular focus on underserved populations, including African Americans, Asian Americans and Latinos.
This first comprehensive survey on flu vaccination in California was conducted by Tulchin Research, a leading polling firm, and made possible by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) with funding from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Public Health Emergency Response grant designed to increase the influenza vaccination rates among hard-to-reach populations.
See the rest of the poll release here.
There were several findings that were particularly noteworthy and we wanted to highlight.
- Alameda County residents express more concern for the seasonal flu than the H1N1 flu.
- Residents report a higher vaccine rates for seasonal flu than H1N1 flu, and
- More would choose the seasonal flu shot over the H1N1 flu shot if forced to decide.
- Combining the two flu shots into one increases the likelihood of Alameda County residents getting the flu shot.
- The doctor’s office is the preferred location for getting a flu shot.
- The family is a powerful motivator to compel residents to get a flu shot, even among those who initially indicate they are not inclined to get a flu shot this year.
- The most persuasive messages for getting a flu shot focus on:
- Protect your family and loved ones;
- Protect yourself; and
- One shot will do it all (seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine in one).
