Poll: Many high-risk patients unable to get H1N1 vaccine

A new national poll of more than 1,000 people found that most adults who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine for themselves or their children — about 70% — have been unable to do so.

The poll is the fifth in a series of surveys of public views concerning the H1N1 flu outbreak undertaken by the Harvard Opinion Research Program at the Harvard School of Public Health. The polling was done Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, 2009.

Since the H1N1 flu vaccine became available in October, 17% of American adults, 41% of parents, and 21% of high-priority adults have tried to get it, according to the results. Among adults who tried to get it for themselves, 70% were unable to get the vaccine. Among parents who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine for their children, 66% were unable to get the vaccine. Among high priority adults who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine, 66% were unable to get it. One-third of those surveyed said they were “very frustrated” about not being able to get the vaccine, but most said they will try again.

About half of the people surveyed were not able to find information about the location of available H1N1 flu vaccine.

“These findings suggest that the nationwide H1N1 vaccine shortage is presenting a real challenge for those who have tried to get the vaccine,” Robert J. Blendon, Professor of Health Policy and Political Analysis at HSPH, who co-directed the poll, said in a press release.