By MEREDITH SLOAN<\/p>\n
With flu season right around the corner, the annual immunization debate has resurfaced. This season, health officials have something to prove after last year\u2019s mishap.<\/p>\n
According to NBC News, a new Type A strain of the flu appeared last year after vaccine doses were already brewed. This caused the vaccination to be less effective than in previous years.<\/p>\n
Regardless of last year\u2019s mishap, half of American\u2019s didn\u2019t receive the immunization anyway. Consequently, flu kills about 24,000 people a year in the United States.<\/p>\n
Health officials have created alternative methods for receiving the vaccination besides the traditional shot, such as a nasal spray, a higher dose version for senior citizens and a needle-free injection for those who have an aversion to needles.<\/p>\n
Although the alternative methods are accommodating, I don\u2019t believe that they will influence an opponent of the immunization to change his mind. When it comes to immunizations, most individuals value their own opinion over that of a health official.<\/p>\n
If health officials could prove the effectiveness and strategically market the immunization, opponents may comply. In order for health officials to strategically market the immunization, they would need to prove that the effects of the flu are dangerous and prevalent.<\/p>\n
Hopefully, this year\u2019s flu immunizations will protect against the new Type A strain and<\/em> put a stop to 24,000 preventable deaths.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By MEREDITH SLOAN With flu season right around the corner, the annual immunization debate has resurfaced. This season, health officials have something to prove after last year\u2019s mishap. According to NBC News, a new Type A strain of the flu … Continue reading