Jamie Mendez
Ms. Cowart
ENGL 1301
Sept. 4, 2015
Summary/Analysis Essay
There are many reasons why health care workers do or do not get immunized with the influenza vaccine. The article “Requiring influenza vaccination for health care workers: seven truths we must accept”, written by G. A. Poland, P. Tosh, and R. M. Jacobson identifies seven reasons why it is imperative to require all health care employees to receive the vaccine.(Poland, Tosh, and Jacobson 2251) The article attempts to persuade the health care system and health care workers that the influenza vaccine prevents influenza infections and death among the patients they care for, improves patient and employee safety, and is cost effective. This essay will analyze the seven principles written in the article and determine if the authors present enough evidence to support their theory.
High influenza morbidity and mortality rates are clearly supported by evidence and statistics pulled from six different credible sources. This paragraph identifies facts and statistics that cannot be argued. One reference compares the mortality rate between influenza and breast cancer. (Poland, Tosh, and Jacobson 2252) This comparison plays on the emotions of the audience in order to persuade and establish trust with the audience. Using credible facts and resources demonstrates credibility to the author’s theory.
Decreasing the spread of infection in hospitals is important. This discussion uses two resources to illustrate effects of influenza illness on the elderly, the immunocompromised, and children, stating “Influenza infection in these populations can often result in severe, prolonged, devastating illness, death, increased length of stay, and added costs.” (Poland, Tosh, and Jacobson 2252) However, one case study explains the effects of influenza spread in hospitals, stating “In an influenza A, outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit in 1998, 19 of the 54 patients on the ward tested positive for influenza A. Of these 19, 6 were symptomatic and 1 died.” (Poland, Tosh, and Jacobson 2252) What this argument does not present is what other factors, if any, were involved in trying to prevent the spread of the disease and where did the virus originate?
All health care systems aim to reduce cost and work disruption. It is unreasonable to waste money on unnecessary costs. One advantage of receiving the vaccine states “…25% fewer upper respiratory infections, 44% fewer doctor visits, and 43% fewer sick days off, saving an average of $47 per person annually.” (Poland, Tosh, and Jacobson 2253) However, the survey referenced in this topic states “…35% of hospitals reported staffing shortages during peak influenza epidemic.” (Poland, Tosh, and Jacobson 2253) This statement leaves questions unanswered, such as what was the reason for the staffing shortage and how much of the shortage was due to influenza illness? There is not enough evidence to support this claim.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims at preventing and decreasing transmission of diseases. The source is known by many people in the United States. The author uses this source to say that the CDC has recommended their theory of years. (Poland, Tosh, and Jacobson 2253) By using this source, the author is trying to once again build credibility with the audience. By placing this point in the middle of the article, it reinforces trust with the audience.
The next point attempts to prove how effective the vaccine could be by showing the successfulness of other mandated vaccinations in order to compare it with the possibility of the successfulness of the influenza immunization. This theory is based solely off assumptions and ideas. There is no support or resources to back their claim.
Health care workers have a duty to protect their patients and implement safety. The author uses this duty against health care workers implying that if health care workers do not receive the influenza vaccination after knowing all the facts and advantages, they are breaking their moral duty. This once again plays on the emotions and feelings toward the health care workers’ profession.
The seventh principle implies that health care systems should take action and require all health care workers to receive the vaccine, or face backlash from the media and society. “As these reports become widely disseminated and as the public becomes aware that health care workers are largely unvaccinated, the health care system will lose trust and credibility.” (Poland, Tosh, and Jacobson 2254) The audience is being influenced to either mandate influenza vaccines or suffer torment and shame.
The authors use credible resources and sound reasoning to support their thesis. The layout of the article keeps the audience interested and uses logos and pathos throughout the article to promote persuasiveness. With more research and evidence, the authors will have proven their theory.