The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Survey: Half of parents say flu shot causes flu
Attitudes explain why some continue to reject flu vaccine.
ORLANDO, FLA. — A new survey on parents’ attitude toward the flu vaccine may shed light on why some continue to resist it even though not getting vaccinated could put their children in danger.
A national survey of 700 parents by Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital showed that more than half the respondents said the flu shot can cause flu. One-third said the flu shot didn’t work.
The flu season began last week and Florida is the first state to report the death of an unvaccinated child from the flu. The child was otherwise healthy, health officials said. More than two-thirds of the 183 children who died around the country from flu last year were also unvaccinated.
“With any medication or vaccine, people are going to have concerns,” Dr. Jean Moorjani, a boardcertified pediatrician at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, said in a news release. “Because information can come from so many places, from friends and family to the internet, it’s important to talk to a doctor you trust to get credible information that is based in science and facts.” The survey also found:
■ 30 percent of the respondents thought flu shot is a conspiracy.
■ 28 percent said flu caused autism.
“After extensive studies, we know that the flu vaccine is safe,” Moorjani said. “You cannot get autism from the flu vaccine. It is not a conspiracy for doctors to recommend the flu vaccine. Doctors recommend it because we know — based on science, research and facts — that it is the best way to protect yourself and your family against the flu.”
Here’s a bit of good news from the survey: about 70 percent of the parents said that the flu vaccine is the best way to protect their child from flu.
“It takes time for your body to get strong and ready for flu season, which is why we recommend everybody get the shot as soon as they can. If you are infected with the flu shortly after getting your flu shot, your body may not be able to fight it off,” Moorjani said.