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Examining Perceptions about Mandatory Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Workers through Online Comments on News Stories Lei, Yang; Pereira, Jennifer A.; Quach, Susan; Bettinger, Julie A.; Kwong, Jeffrey C.; Corace, Kimberly; Garber, Gary; Feinberg, Yael; Guay, Maryse
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to understand online public perceptions of the debate surrounding the choice of annual influenza vaccinations or wearing masks as a condition of employment for healthcare workers, such as the one enacted in British Columbia in August 2012. Methods Four national and 82 local (British Columbia) Canadian online news sites were searched for articles posted between August 2012 and May 2013 containing the words “healthcare workers” and “mandatory influenza vaccinations/immunizations” or “mandatory flu shots and healthcare workers.” We included articles from sources that predominantly concerned our topic of interest and that generated reader comments. Two researchers coded the unedited comments using thematic analysis, categorizing codes to allow themes to emerge. In addition to themes, the comments were categorized by: 1) sentiment towards influenza vaccines; 2) support for mandatory vaccination policies; 3) citing of reference materials or statistics; 4) self-identified health-care worker status; and 5) sharing of a personal story. Results 1163 comments made by 648 commenters responding to 36 articles were analyzed. Popular themes included concerns about freedom of choice, vaccine effectiveness, patient safety, and distrust in government, public health, and the pharmaceutical industry. Almost half (48%) of commenters expressed a negative sentiment toward the influenza vaccine, 28% were positive, 20% were neutral, and 4% expressed mixed sentiment. Of those who commented on the policy, 75% did not support the condition to work policy, while 25% were in favour. Of the commenters, 11% self-identified as healthcare workers, 13% shared personal stories, and 18% cited a reference or statistic. Interpretation The perception of the influenza vaccine in the comment sections of online news sites is fairly poor. Public health agencies should consider including online forums, comment sections, and social media sites as part of their communication channels to correct misinformation regarding the benefits of HCWinfluenza immunization and the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Item Metadata
Title |
Examining Perceptions about Mandatory Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Workers through Online Comments on News Stories
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Creator | |
Date Issued |
2015
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Description |
Background
The aim of this study was to understand online public perceptions of the debate surrounding
the choice of annual influenza vaccinations or wearing masks as a condition of employment
for healthcare workers, such as the one enacted in British Columbia in August 2012.
Methods
Four national and 82 local (British Columbia) Canadian online news sites were searched for
articles posted between August 2012 and May 2013 containing the words “healthcare workers”
and “mandatory influenza vaccinations/immunizations” or “mandatory flu shots and
healthcare workers.” We included articles from sources that predominantly concerned our
topic of interest and that generated reader comments. Two researchers coded the unedited
comments using thematic analysis, categorizing codes to allow themes to emerge. In addition
to themes, the comments were categorized by: 1) sentiment towards influenza vaccines;
2) support for mandatory vaccination policies; 3) citing of reference materials or
statistics; 4) self-identified health-care worker status; and 5) sharing of a personal story.
Results
1163 comments made by 648 commenters responding to 36 articles were analyzed. Popular
themes included concerns about freedom of choice, vaccine effectiveness, patient safety, and distrust in government, public health, and the pharmaceutical industry. Almost
half (48%) of commenters expressed a negative sentiment toward the influenza vaccine,
28% were positive, 20% were neutral, and 4% expressed mixed sentiment. Of those who
commented on the policy, 75% did not support the condition to work policy, while 25% were
in favour. Of the commenters, 11% self-identified as healthcare workers, 13% shared personal
stories, and 18% cited a reference or statistic.
Interpretation
The perception of the influenza vaccine in the comment sections of online news sites is fairly
poor. Public health agencies should consider including online forums, comment sections,
and social media sites as part of their communication channels to correct misinformation regarding the benefits of HCWinfluenza immunization and the effectiveness of the vaccine.
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Genre | |
Type | |
Language |
eng
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Date Available |
2016-03-09
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Provider |
Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library
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Rights |
Attribution 2.5 Canada
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DOI |
10.14288/1.0228047
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URI | |
Affiliation | |
Citation |
Lei Y, Pereira JA, Quach S, Bettinger JA, Kwong JC, Corace K, Garber G, Feinberg Y, Guay M, Public Health Agency of Canada/Canadian Institutes of Health Research Influenza Research Network (PCIRN) Program Delivery and Evaluation Group. Examining perceptions about mandatory influenza vaccination of healthcare workers through online comments on news stories. PLoS ONE 2015;10(6):e0129993.
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Publisher DOI |
10.1371/journal.pone.0129993
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Peer Review Status |
Reviewed
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Scholarly Level |
Faculty
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Rights URI | |
Aggregated Source Repository |
DSpace
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Item Media
Item Citations and Data
Rights
Attribution 2.5 Canada