Major
Health Studies
Advisor
Cohen, Steven
Date
5-2023
Keywords
Vaccinations; influenza; demographics; population; disease; health
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.
Abstract
In 1796 Edward Jenner marked a turning point in epidemiology after testing a theory and developing the first vaccination known to mankind: smallpox. Since his work, many scientists have discovered that virulent strains of a virus can be attenuated in humans, consequently aiding in the creation of many different vaccines. Nowadays, one of the most common vaccines for humans to receive is the influenza vaccine. The influenza vaccine is very effective in prevention of getting the virus, as well as reducing the risk of flu-like symptoms. However, each year many individuals continue to choose not to get the flu vaccine for a variety of reasons. Consequently, I chose to look at the demographics of Rhode Island residents ages 55 and older, and analyze data to determine if there are associating factors that influence a person’s likelihood of getting vaccinated. The data report focuses on flu vaccinations and five levels of societal factors: age, gender, marital status, time since last check up, and education level. Through this analysis I used a theoretical model to predict an individual's health behaviors and choices to whether they received the flu vaccine or not. Consequently, I was able to conclude with suggestions on how to increase flu vaccination rates and influence more individuals to get vaccinated.
Included in
Epidemiology Commons, Influenza Virus Vaccines Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons