OAKLAND, CA – A new national opinion poll conducted by Garcia Research(1) and sponsored by the Clorox Company, found that more than half (56%) of Hispanic adults polled said they were “not concerned” about the flu. The study also reports that fewer than four in ten indicated that they were “very likely” to get vaccinated for the seasonal flu.
“While preventative medicine is not always inherent among Hispanic adults, it is especially important this year for Hispanics to get vaccinated especially for those who come in contact with infants, small children and the elderly – which is nearly everyone in our family focused community,” said Dr. Aliza Lifshitz, a nationally recognized health expert and internist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.”
These low levels of concern and vaccination rates among Hispanic adults is especially troubling since a Chicago study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)(2) found that Latinos were four times more likely to be hospitalized from novel H1N1 earlier this year. Furthermore, health officials across the country, including the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, have warned that this second wave of novel H1N1 combined with the seasonal flu could pose a serious health threat infecting up to half of all Americans.(3)
To help combat this general sense of apathy and raise awareness among Hispanics, The Clorox Company has joined forces with VidaySalud.com, a leading Spanish health information website, to launch a national flu prevention campaign, Pon el Virus de la Gripe Fuera de Accion.
“Pon el Virus de la Gripe Fuera de Accion” is designed to increase the number of families vaccinated against the flu nationwide and educate them on other simple prevention tips – like hand washing and disinfecting germ hot spots – to help families have a healthier flu season. For more information about helping to protect yourself and your family during flu season you can visit:
— www.VidaySalud.com
— www.clorox.com or www.Cloroxenespanol.com
— www.cdc.gov/flu or www.cdc.gov/flu/espanol