California Latinos Reluctant to Get Flu Vaccination, Fears Health Issues

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Flu is a common illness that people sometimes underestimate. In fact, it is easy to forget that flu is fatal. When one is inflicted with the flu, he will miss a few days of work; but if he skipped flu shots, he can potentially spread the virus to vulnerable children, those with chronic disease and elderly he comes in contact.

According to Los Angeles Times, last November, California had its first infant death of the year due to flu. UCLA's California Health Interview Survey revealed that only 43 percent Californians received flu shots in 2014. Moreover, among the Latinos -- the largest racial or ethnic group in the said state, only 37 percent received flu vaccinations.

The statistics is alarming if one examines the differences among first-generation, second-generation and third-generation Latinos. First-generation Mexican Americans are those born in Mexico where vaccination is widely accepted compared in the United States. Those born in Mexico were more likely to get flu shots than those born and raised in the U.S.

In 2014, only 24 percent second-generation Latinos and 15 percent of third-generation Latinos in California were vaccinated compared to 61 percent of first-generation Latinos. The recent study utilizing the California Health Interview Survey data revealed a big disparity among Mexican Americans of different generations when it comes to flu vaccination. The disparity remains even when the researchers considered the factors such as insurance status, health status and characteristics such as education and age.

Per the report, the reason behind the disparity of the vaccination rates among the second-generation and third-generation Latinos is the promotion of vaccines. Mexico heavily promotes vaccination in general. In fact, it has the highest rate of flu vaccination among people older than 65 in nations that are part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., many are not convinced with the public health campaigns for flu shots. In fact, they are suspicious of vaccinations. They fear that flu shots may cause health problems rather than prevent it.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that flu vaccines reduce the risk of flu illness by about 50 percent to 60 percent. Since, it has proven benefits; the report suggested that the flu vaccination messages that have been so well communicated in Mexico should be spread to Latinos and everyone else in California as well.

Moreover, flu shot campaigns aimed at Latinos should target second-generation and third-generation immigrants. California and Washington should also provide funding for free or low-cost vaccinations. There should also be funding for additional research in finding the most effective forms of health communications for the growing population.

The lack of vaccination among Latinos may pose unnecessary dangers. One-dose flu vaccine can save economic losses due to flu and death associated with flu every winter.