Revealed: Why Health Providers Avoid Vaccines

By and large, the biggest reasons why providers decline influenza vaccination listed were:

1. They fear getting influenza or influenza-like illness from the vaccine.
2. They fear the vaccine's side-effects.
3. They think the vaccine is ineffective.
4. They don't think they have a high likelihood of getting sick from influenza so they don't need the vaccine.
5. They fear needles
6. They didn't have time, or it was inconvenient or they forgot.
7. They rely on homeopathic products to ward off viruses.
8. They believe their host defenses will work better.
9. They think other preventive measures minimize or eliminate risk.
10. They lack a physician recommendation to get vaccinated.
11. They believe that influenza is not a severe disease.
12. Vaccines aren't free.
The Joint Commission monograph reminded health providers that "transmission of influenza to patients by health care personnel (HCP) is well documented. HCP may acquire influenza both in the health care setting and in the community, and they can easily transmit the virus to patients in their care."