A Prevention Project to Increase Influenza Vaccination in The Community Through Health Literacy

Abstract

Influenza is a vaccine preventable viral disease of the respiratory tract that could become complicated with respiratory failure resulting in disability and death according to CDC (2013b). Even though influenza can possibly be prevented by vaccination, the death rate is still high worldwide due to misconceptions, biases, misbelieve and ignorance against the flu vaccine. Influenza could also cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting leading to dehydration that could become fatal if not treated promptly and adequately. In the United States, influenza is seasonal and it is usually from October to April, sometimes it spreads all year round with seasonal peaks. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flu activity report (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/ season/flu-season-2016-2017.htm), influenza starts in October and could stretch to May with December to March as peak months and could be around for the entire year.