Poll shows lack of access to H1N1 vaccine

BOSTON A new national poll from Harvard School of Public Health that researchers released Friday found that a majority of adults who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine for themselves or their children have been unable to do so.

Since the H1N1 flu vaccine became available in October, 17% of American adults, 41% of parents and 21% of high-priority adults have tried to get it. Among adults who tried to get it for themselves, 70% were unable to get it. Among parents who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine for their children, 66% were unable to get it. Among high-priority adults who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine, 66% were unable to get it.

The poll also showed that some people were not able to find information about the location of available H1N1 flu vaccine. Approximately half (49%) who tried to find such information were unable to find it.

“These findings suggest that the nationwide H1N1 vaccine shortage is presenting a real challenge for those who have tried to get the vaccine,” stated Robert Blendon, professor of Health Policy and Political Analysis at HSPH, who co-directed the poll.

The poll suggested that nearly a third (29%) of those who have tried and could not get the vaccine (either for themselves or for their children) are very frustrated. That said, most who have tried and not been able to get it yet (91%) say they will try again this year to get the vaccine for themselves, their children or both.

“Public health officials who are encouraging H1N1 vaccination may be relieved to see that most people who have so far been unable to get the vaccine say they will try again,” said Blendon.

The poll, which examined the American public’s response to the H1N1 vaccine shortage, is the fifth in a series of surveys of public views concerning the H1N1 flu outbreak undertaken by the Harvard Opinion Research Program at HSPH. The polling was done Oct. 30 to Nov. 1.