Synovate survey shows Canadians not getting their flu shots
9 October 2009
TORONTO — According to the latest survey by leading global market research firm Synovate, only 3.4% of Canadians have received the seasonal flu vaccine during the past six months, which is rather low compared to 2008 where 31.7 percent of those aged 12 or older took the preventive seasonal flu vaccine according to Statistics Canada.
The low rate of flu shots may be due to the fact that it has been reported that the seasonal flu shot may increase H1N1 risk. The Public Health Agency of Canada also alerted Canadian citizens that swine flu will be the major flu virus this year, and advised people to take the H1N1 flu vaccine rather than the seasonal flu shots. The H1N1 flu virus vaccines have just been ordered and will be available in about two weeks. Until then, many people aren't getting any flu protection.
Rob Myers, Managing Director of Synovate Canada, said:"This year is an odd one in that many people would normally have had their seasonal flu shots by now. The confusion is somewhat worrying especially for the elderly and children who are more susceptible to the flu and haven't been able to get their shots yet."
Of those that have had their flu shots this season, two thirds received it at their doctor's office, 14% got it at their place of employment and 10% at walk-in clinics.
The survey was conducted by eNation Canada, Synovate's Omnibus service, with a nationally representative sample of 1,005 heads of household ages 18+ during September 24-28, 2009.
Contact(s) for this press release
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Henrietta Sung
Synovate Marketing Manager |
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Telephone: +1 647 837 5053 |
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Synovate generates insights to help clients drive competitive brand, product and customer experience strategies. Now part of Ipsos, with offices in over 80 countries, our approach combines best in class global research capabilities with personalised service, local knowledge and the flexibility to create teams and processes that meet clients' specific requirements. At Synovate, our clients sit at the top of our organisational chart, driving us to continually develop more innovative research solutions that predict actual business outcomes.
For more information on Synovate visit www.synovate.com.