Health Scare Prompts Oprah to Promote Vaccines

Oprah Winfrey’s message is clear: the flu and pneumonia vaccines are important. This was the take home message when the former talk show host appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and discussed a serious pneumonia illness that resulted in her hospitalization.

¹

, including their vaccine attitudes.

The study revealed that 60% of participants agreed that influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent flu-related deaths and hospitalization. However, only 52% said they plan to get the flu vaccine this season. In addition, almost 60% of the participants at higher risk of pneumococcal disease reported that they have never been educated to get the pneumococcal vaccine.

This study demonstrates the need for increased education and awareness about the importance of vaccines.

The National Foundation for Infectious Disease recently surveyed individuals about flu and pneumococcal disease³³

With flu season just around the corner, candid discussions about complications that may arise from not receiving the vaccines are also important. Ultimately, the flu and pneumonia can lead to hospitalization and death.

Read the full article onPharmacy Times.

References

1. Shapiro N. Oprah suffered a vaccine-preventable illness. Now she’s promoting vaccines.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ninashapiro/2019/09/24/oprah-suffered-a-vaccine-preventable-illness-now-shes-promoting-vaccines/#87ccbe254fe1. Published September 24, 2019. Accessed September 27, 2019.

Forbes.

2. Benecke O, DeYoung SE. Anti-vaccine decision-making and measles resurgence in the United States.

. 2019;6: 2333794X19862949. [Published online July 24, 2019]. doi: 10.1177/2333794X19862949.

Glob Pediatr Health

3. National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. National poll: attitudes about flu and pneumococcal disease prevention. NFID website. https://www.nfid.org/national-poll-attitudes-about-flu-and-pneumococcal-disease-prevention/. Accessed September 28, 2019.

4. CDC. Weekly U.S. influenza surveillance report. CDC website. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm. Accessed September 28, 2019.