Flu Vaccination Side Effects as a Cause of Refusal Essay
Introduction
Flu vaccinations are considered to be an important part of population health programs in most developed countries. However, the published statistics on flu vaccinations reveal that many people opt against flu shots. For instance, according to Petty, only 48.6% of Americans obtained flu vaccinations in 2016, which means that over half of the U.S. population were at risk of getting flu.Flu Vaccination Side Effects as a Cause of Refusal Essay
The reasons that prevent people from obtaining flu shots vary depending on their beliefs and living situations. For instance, a substantial share of the U.S. population believes that vaccinations can cause the flu (Nyhan & Reifler 459). Others think that the overall risk of getting flu is low, and there is no need for vaccination. When it comes to child vaccinations, many parents refuse to give flu shots to their children due to pain and distress, which is a common reaction to immunization shots in children (Beran et al. 2772). However, there is also a significant share of people who fear flu shots due to the possibility of side effects. Indeed, all vaccinations can produce minor side effects. The present paper will seek to discuss various flu shot side effects as causes preventing people from getting flu vaccinations.Flu Vaccination Side Effects as a Cause of Refusal Essay
Common Side Effects
As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu shots have a list of common side effects, such as fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. All of these side effects can have an impact on a person’s life in the few days following the disease. Muscle aches or fever, for example, can affect people’s ability to live their normal lifestyle, go to work, or exercise. Although the symptoms will usually go away within a few days, the possibility of side effects affecting their normal life schedule can cause people to refuse the vaccine.
This is especially true for workers who are paid on a shift or hourly basis. The risk of losing the opportunity to work for several days or working while experiencing side effects can affect the quality of work and their earnings, consecutively. Similarly, for parents with children, feeling ill after a flu shot can affect their ability to take care of children. Besides, the flu shot can cause fainting (CDC). This side effect can also impact a person’s life following vaccination. Therefore, information about common side effects from flu vaccinations is one of the reasons why people opt against immunization.Flu Vaccination Side Effects as a Cause of Refusal Essay
Allergic Reactions
Another side effect of flu vaccinations that is important to consider is an allergic reaction. Indeed, many people experience an allergic reaction following a flu shot. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include redness, swelling, and rash, as well as fever and hives. Allergic reactions to flu shots are quite common and often affect the life of patients for one or two weeks after the immunization. Even a mild allergic reaction can be unpleasant. Pain and itchiness in the area may distract people from their regular activities, such as work, and affect their mood, causing distress or uneasiness.Flu Vaccination Side Effects as a Cause of Refusal Essay
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is widely believed to be associated with flu vaccinations and is thus another key side effect to consider. Public awareness of the Guillain-Barré Syndrome raised in 1976 when a large number of GBS cases were associated with the national vaccination program in the U.S. (Vellozzi et al. 1150). The research study performed shortly after the reports indicated a casual relationship between flu vaccinations and the risk of GBS (Vellozzi et al. 1150). Needless to say, the case got significant attention across the United States and in other parts of the world, too.
