NASHVILLE, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. media coverage about influenza and the importance of flu shots influenced many parents to have their children vaccinated, a Vanderbilt study shows.
Findings from the study by researchers at Vanderbilt University, published in the February issue of the journal Pediatrics, studied the 2003-04 flu season and the effect media attention had on parental response.
Researchers surveyed the parents of 256 children ages 6 months to 59 months (almost 5 years old) who took children to the Vanderbilt Medical Center during the summer of 2004. More than one-fourth said media reports influenced their decision.
"This study validates what we've long suspected," said lead author Dr. Katherine Poehling, "that news coverage of a serious public health issue really does raise public awareness and can have a positive impact on peoples' health.
"The impact of media attention on influenza illness and deaths in children was very impressive."
