Google’s flu trend map painted the whole country red this week, and the CDC’s flu map reported widespread outbreaks in almost every state. With seasonal influenza in full swing, many people have taken note and gotten the recommended flu shot; however, the CDC recently released a report explaining that “adult vaccination coverage remains low for most routinely recommended vaccines.” All sorts of excuses keep us from getting vaccinated, but staying current with immunizations is worth the pain.
Aside from sending physicians door-to-door, how can the CDC encourage people to get recommended immunizations?
- Get the public’s attention. When the mayor of Boston called a state of emergency for the flu this year, people flocked to get their shots. Perhaps the CDC should call a state of emergency for routine vaccines.
- Get the facts out there. How many people know when their vaccines expire? The CDC and doctors should work together to inform patients, through conversations and other methods like quizzes.
- Change the public attitude. A new study shows that many people avoid shots because the cost seems to outweigh benefits. When people understand the life-and-death consequences of avoiding immunizations — in 2012, the whooping cough was at its highest rates in 50 years, killing 18 people, including many children — getting a shot will become a priority.
- Call to action. Educating the public is one thing, but actually administering a shot is another. Health care centers should host clinics for routine vaccines, much like those held for seasonal flu vaccines. People can take charge of their own health care too, on the CDC’s website and with apps like VaxTrax, a vaccination reminder for the whole family.
What do you think: how can the CDC motivate the public to get routine vaccinations?