Vaccine Poll: Shift from Convincing Skeptics to Satisying the Convinced

By Richard Knox

Harvard pollster Bob Blendon says his latest numbers on swine flu sentiment should shake up the priorities for the federal government's campaign to get most Americans vaccinated against the new H1N1 before it's too late.

Vaccine believers want the shot. So where is it? (Rogelio V. Solis/AP)

Instead of convincing skeptics to get the vaccine, Blendon says, "the real focus has become how do you get the vaccine to people who had already decided they want it but haven't been able to get it."

The new poll, conducted last weekend, is the first to show what people actually do about flu vaccination, rather than what they think they'll do. It shows strong enthusiasm among parents to get their kids vaccinated.

Forty-one percent of American parents have sought swine flu vaccine for their children. Blendon calls that a high out-of-the-gate number. "They really came out in October and tried to get it," he says. "That was the surprise to us--that such a large percentage of parents tried to get it right away."

But 66 percent of those parents were disappointed.

Adults in high-priority groups to get flu vaccine--those with chronic health conditions and pregnant women--were only half as eager. Only one in five sought the new H1N1 vaccine. Of those who did, 70 percent couldn't get it.

Nearly a third of those who couldn't get the vaccine say they're "very frustrated." Another 26 percent say they're frustrated, but not deterred. Nearly everybody who failed to get vaccine the first time--91 percent of them--say they'll try again.

And therein lies a challenge to federal, state and local health officials. If people who are already convinced to get vaccine can't find it a second time, "an enormous amount of frustration will build up," Blendon warns.

He says the number one priority should be making sure the vaccine believers get satisfied. Then officials can shift their attention to convincing the skeptics.

As vaccine supplies increase, Blendon says one problem that cries for attention is better ways to let people know how to find it. Half of those who have tried say they couldn't find out.

Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says "it's understandable that people were finding it difficult to find vaccine," since the supply has been so limited compared to demand.

She's encouraged at the numbers that show "people aren't giving up...Things should be getting better."