An Historical Review of the 2009 A (H1N1) Influenza Pandemic and the Phenomenon Surrounding Vaccine Declination by Health Care Providers

Abstract

Preventative health care is not a new concept and since the development of vaccines against communicable diseases, Health Care Providers (HCPs) have willingly received immunizations and lead the way in educating patients about the importance of prophylactic inoculation. Vaccines have improved public safety, lowered patient morbidity and mortality and reduced the financial burden on health care systems. HCPs recognize the importance of this health promotion modality, however, the 2009 flu season found many HCPs unwilling to receive the A (H1N1) vaccine. The right of institutions to mandate seasonal influenza vaccine and the right of HCPs to refuse these immunizations created a quandary. This paper provides an historical account of the 2009 A (H1N1) influenza season and the phenomenon surrounding the declination of the flu vaccine by HCPs.