A generation ago there was overwhelming support for inoculating against Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD). In the mid-20th Century VPD’s, such as measles and polio, had annual mortality rates in the tens of thousands (Gussman, 2009; Larson, Brocard Paterson & Erondu, 2012). Yet, today differing perceptions of the risks of immunisations has led to an increased number of individuals opting out of scheduled vaccinations. This assignment will investigate the different risk perceptions that are associated with childhood immunisation through the use of risk perception literature. Secondly, risk communication literature will be examined to identify ways in which authorities can effectively engage in risk communication with the general public, specifically about VCD’s with the aim of improving immunisation rates and therefore herd immunity.
Risk perception has been extensively examined since the 1970’s and continues to be a focal point of modern literature within the field of risk management. Risk perception is defined as the “probability of an adverse outcome, or a factor that raises this probability” (Larson et al., 2012, p.1054). Within the context of immunisations, risk perception is explained in terms of an individual’s perception of the chance of harm occurring if vaccinations are not administered (Weinstein, Kwitel, McCaul, Magnan, Gerrard & Gibbons, 2007). Scholars have identified several theories, based on psychological and social determinants, to help explain why there are differences in how individuals perceive the same risk (Roeser, Hillerbrand, Sandin & Peterson, 2013). Theories related to psychological determinants, such as the Dual Process Theory (DPT) and Health Belief Model (HBM), are widely supported and consequently...
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...., Al-Qazaz, H. K, Salih, M., Jamshed, S. Q., & Elkalmi, R. M. (2014). Are parents' knowledge and practice regarding immunization related to pediatrics’ immunization compliance? a mixed method study. BMC Pediatrics, 14(20), 1-7. doi:10.1186/1471-2431-14-20
Roeser, S., Hillerbrand. R,. Sandin, P., & Peterson, M. (2013). Essentials of Risk Theory. doi: 10.1007/978-94-007-5455-3_1
Vannice, K. S., Salmon, D. A., Shui, I., Omer, S. B., Kissner, J., Edwards, K. M., ...Gust, D. A. (2011). Attitudes and beliefs of parents concerned about vaccines: Impact of timing of immunization information. Pediatrics, 121, S120-S126. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-1722R
Weinstein, N. D., Kwitel, A., McCaul, K. D., Magnan, R. E., Gerrard, M., & Gibbons, F. X. (2007). Risk perceptions: Assessment and relationship to influenza vaccine. Health Psycology, 26(2), 146-151. doi:10.1037/0278-6133.26.2.146
There is a war going on against parents that refuse to vaccinate their children. It is coming from the government that makes and enforces laws requiring parents to vaccinate their children, hostile parents of vaccinated children, and doctors that refuse to see unvaccinated children. They are concerned about the potential health risk unvaccinated children pose to the public. These parents aren’t lunatics but are concerned parents that are trying to make the best choice for their children. In fact, these parents aren’t fighting alone; a number of pediatricians and medical experts are apart of this crusade and have taken the lead. They will tell you there is an agenda, “Vaccine manufacturers, health officials, medical doctors, lead authors of important studies, editors of major medical journals, hospital personnel, and even coroners, cooperate to minimize vaccine failings, exaggerate benefits, and avert any negative publicity that might frighten concerned parents, threaten the vaccine program and lower vaccination rates.” 4
This fear was the reason the authors explained the creation of vaccines early on. At this point, the authors again used fear in an attempt to convince readers/parents to ignore these warnings. The authors placed blame directly on those spreading negative propaganda, as well as those who accepted it as fact by stating, “such warnings, if widely heeded, raise the specter of widespread refusal to practice vaccination, thus putting the wider society at risk” (Lee, Carson-Dewitt, 2016, p.2). This directed blame seems to claim that every unvaccinated child puts all members of society at risk, without considering evidence of how an individual’s choice to vaccinate one’s self would offer protection in any
Although people should have the freedom to choose to be vaccinated, the public needs to be educated about the personal, economical, and social benefits of receiving the influenza vaccine. In addition, people who are at a high risk of contracting influenza as well as health care providers should be encouraged to receive an influenza vaccine in order to decrease the major health burden associated with the disease. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection of the respiratory system and it is characterized by abrupt onset of fever, sore throat, and nonproductive cough. Influenza is spread from person to person by inhalation of the droplets produced when a person infected with influenza coughs or sneezes. In addition, it can also be spread by contact with infected objects such as utensils.
20. Kennedy, Alison M et al., ‘Vaccine beliefs of parents who oppose compulsory vaccination’, Pub Health Rep, 120 (2005)
Childhood vaccinations have replaced common childhood illness as a “rite of passage” for many young children. Many parents, at the recommendation of their physician, diligently bring their children to the doctor every couple of months for what are thought to be important and safe vaccinations. Many parents are lead to believe that vaccinating their children, albeit the so-called slight risks associated with vaccines, is the responsible thing to do for the sake of the common good, which includes their child’s safety, as well as the safety of the community. But are parents made aware of some of the ingredients in these so-called safe vaccines and the inherent risks of the ingredients? Are parents aware of the protection the United States government offers to vaccine manufacturers and those who recommend and administer the vaccines? Do parents realize that their child just might be a sacrificial lamb?
“Childhood vaccines not only have personal benefits, but for entire communities and the future of public health” (Espejo 1). If a child goes without immunization, then he or she is also putting others at risk. Most parents do not consider all of the options and effects that come along with not having their child vaccinated. Many are quick to reject because of the possible side effects and harm it could cause. However, nothing in today’s world is completely harmless. An adult can easily be in a danger at work, while the child is in danger of disease at daycare. That is why it is completely necessary to vaccinate. By doing this, family, friends, and others are being protected as well (Allen 71). “There are also children who cannot get certain vaccines for medical or other reasons, and those who are too young to be vaccinated. These children have no protection if they are exposed to someone who is infected with a communicable disease” (Espejo 4). Commonly, this is not thought
Rousmaniere, Peter. “Facing a tough situation.” Risk & Insurance 17.7 (June 2006): 24-25. Expanded Academic ASAP. Web. 23 March 2011.
Vaccines are much safer than people make them out to be; it is the easiest way to avoid future health problems. People become so suspicious and apprehensive about vaccines because they are not educated about the real facts. Before parents or individuals decide on whether or not to administer vaccines, that person should be sure to do research. One needs to make an educated decision and not a blind opinion on the crucial subject of vaccinations. The US Department of Health and Human Services states, “Vaccines are some of the safest medical products available,” (Pro & Con Arguments: "Should Any Vaccines Be Required for Children?"). Social media has a tendency to over exaggerate negative cases against the benefits of vaccines, which influences people to oppose immunization. It is essential for people to be informed of all viewpoints when determining their future
Vaccines are very effective in defending children from infectious disease. Although there has been tremendous success in achieving population based childhood immunization programs, more and more parents have chosen to delay the registration or even refuse to vaccinate their children at all (Diekema, 2012, p. 391). People are starting to challenge the necessity, safety and tolerability of vaccinations because the public attention has been diverted from the decreasing incidence of disease to the ambiguous risks of side effects of vaccines (Heininger, 2009, G9). Despite its outstanding performance in preventing diseases, maintaining high level of vaccination coverage needs public understanding as well, particularly the acceptance of parents
(Jane C Finlay, Noni E MacDonald, 2001). Working with Vaccine -hesitant parents. Canadian Paediatric Society. Retrieved May 3, 2013, from http://www.cps.ca
Vaccination is one the greatest achievements of public health which led to a marked decline in the rate of infectious diseases in the 19th century. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 1999) However, currently a growing number of parents are in doubt regarding the safety of vaccines and the necessity to follow the recommended vaccination schedule for their children, resulting in many parents following an alternative schedule of vaccination or complete refusal of vaccination. (Dempsey et al., 2011)
Vaccinations are one of the worst offenders, with facebook pages, websites, tweets, and posts around the world giving information to people about vaccinations instead of doctors. This has gotten as bad that in 1966, nearly three fourths (73%) of Americans said they had great confidence in the leaders of the medical profession. In 2012, only 34% expressed this view (Blendon). Doctors and medical professionals need to rebuild the trust between patient and doctor in order to make the public more aware on what vaccines really are. Doctors can achieve this by when the time to vaccinate comes up, they have a sit down with the parents and talk about what exactly is in the
... Tarrant and Thomson (2008), parents readily admitted that they had knowledge discrepancies in regards to childhood vaccines but believed that the benefits of immunization overshadowed any risks that might be present. The biggest source of information for these parents was family members and peers. Along with this information wide-ranging public health programs and mandatory vaccination requirements for school entry made certain that childhood immunization recommendations were followed.
According to World Book Advanced Encyclopedia, immunization is defined as the process of protecting the body against disease by means of vaccines or serums (Hinman). While medical science backs up the efficiency and necessity of vaccines, within the past decade, a rise in parents disbelieving the medical community and neglecting to immunize their children has occurred. This “fear of vaccines” is nothing new, but with the ever-increasing safety of vaccines, the benefits of inoculation far outweigh the risks. Parents who refuse to vaccinate, or anti-vaxxers, put more than their children’s lives on the line, but also risk the safety of the whole community. Because vaccines are essential to protecting individuals and communities
Recently the number of parents who are intentionally delaying their children’s general vaccinations is increasing. The controversy that is causing the number of delayed vaccinations to go up is based on the fact that there are negative articles connecting them to autism and other similar diseases. When parents are researching vaccinations and they read those negative articles, those articles make them believe that vaccines cause autism. Vaccines are important because they protect humans from preventable diseases and getting them could save human lives. Vaccines are important throughout life no matter what some research suggests. Parents are now more likely to intentionally delay vaccines because of negative press, even though vaccines