58% of Americans believe that H1N1 flu is a serious health hazard: Survey

A majority (58%) of Americans believe that the H1N1 flu is a serious health hazard, according to a new survey released today by Silverlink Communications, Inc. This represents a marked increase as compared to May 2009, when 47% of Americans held this same perception of H1N1. While most Americans believe H1N1 is a serious health hazard, less than one-third (31%) of Americans plan on getting the H1N1 flu vaccine this year, with safety and efficacy of the vaccine cited as primary barriers for not getting the vaccine. Of particular concern, less than 27% of 18 to 24 year olds, a high risk group, plan on getting the H1N1 vaccine. The survey also reveals that the primary information source for H1N1 for Americans will be the general press, newspapers and TV, with 32% of Americans planning to source flu information from these sources. Even with the general press’s continued coverage of this complex flu season, 23% of Americans are still unaware that there are two types of flu this year and 24% of Americans are unaware that there are two separate vaccines for the H1N1 and seasonal flu.

“We are entering a critical phase of the H1N1 flu season with schools now back in session and with the availability of the vaccine only a few weeks away,” said Dr. Jan Berger, Chief Medical Officer at Silverlink. “Providing comprehensive, up-to-date information to all Americans about the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines, how to prevent the spread of the flu, what to do if you or a family member becomes symptomatic, and then communicating that information effectively, are the critical factors to minimizing our country’s health risks this flu season. Also, extra care should be taken to communicate with high-risk groups since those groups are different for the seasonal and H1N1 flu which could cause confusion as to who should get the vaccine.”

“Health plans and population health companies must take a leadership role in proactively communicating this flu season,” said Margot Walthall, Senior Director of Silverlink’s Population Health Solutions. “With all the nuances in vaccine recommendations for the various segments of the population, there will inevitably be confusion and anxiety as we approach a possibly severe flu season. Educating consumers on the importance, availability, and priority targets of the two flu vaccines is a top priority for all health plans in the next six to 10 weeks. Also, in this economic environment, the health plans that have determined to cover the cost of the H1N1 flu vaccine should make sure high-risk groups know that.”

To help healthcare enterprises effectively communicate with members this flu season, Silverlink, the leader in healthcare communications, is today announcing flu outreach solutions. These solutions proactively educate consumers about both seasonal and H1N1 flu by delivering timely, relevant, and population segment specific information on this global health issue. Outreach programs include interactive education about the seasonal and H1N1 flu, its symptoms and how it spreads; educating consumers on preventive actions to stay healthy including seasonal and H1N1 vaccine information; as well as providing consumers information on what to do to if they become symptomatic. In addition to these outreach programs, Silverlink also offers inbound communications solutions designed to quickly answer frequently asked questions (FAQ). The FAQ solution provides members with up-to-date flu and flu vaccine information, as well as plan-specific and localized prevention resources.