Broad Social Problem of Interest
Vaccination is somewhat necessary, as it helps save lives by preventing various diseases. Throughout history, the procedure has helped decrease serious health issues. In some cases, vaccination helped eradicate some previously considered invincible disorders (Benn et al., 2020; Conis, 2019). The dissertation will focus on the child’s mild measles vaccination and specific issues associated with its administration.
In general, the significance of this study is partially determined by the importance of vaccination. According to Mina et al. (2019), “in the time before vaccination, nearly every child experienced measles, which resulted in millions of deaths” (p. 2). Even though global efforts related to measles vaccination have led to a substantial reduction in the disease incidence, the measles virus nevertheless affects more than seven million people every year, causing more than 100,000 deaths (Mina et al., 2019). At the same time, since 2018, the number of cases of infection has increased by approximately 300% after several decades of decline (Mina et al., 2019). This tendency may be regarded as a serious issue that impacts national well-being, and its reasons should be investigated.
Narrow Research Problem
One of the most complicated aspects of vaccination is the correlated stigma. In other words, the vaccination procedure is surrounded by misconceptions and fears related to side effects and recommendations. Thus, about the measles virus, a considerable decline in vaccination rates for its prevention is connected with parents’ refusal to administer a vaccine due to deep concerns related to its safety for children.
Throughout the history of vaccination, many parents and guardians have been misguided by different information and beliefs based on various religions. However, in the present day, the impact of mass media on people’s perceptions of various aspects of life is impossible to deny. Thus, exposure to news media coverage through televisions, phones, and computers influences parents’ decisions on immunizing their children (Ward, 2021).
Literature Gap and Study Uniqueness
The efforts of mass media content to influence people’s attitudes toward child measles vaccination are not new. In her study, Conis (2019) describes an NBC news documentary, “Vaccine Roulette,” created in 1982. In it, the safety of the measles vaccine was questioned, and the risk of serious complications was emphasized.
The study, dedicated to examining the relationship between media coverage and child measles vaccination uptake, focuses on filling the assumption gap in the literature since it has not been clear whether media affects people’s decisions. On the one hand, there are multiple studies dedicated to the ability of mass media to influence people’s attitudes and perceptions. On the other hand, the number of articles evaluating mass media’s impact on people’s acceptance of vaccination, especially about the child mild measles vaccination, is substantially limited. Thus, an in-depth review of the existing body of literature on the topic with the systematization of gathered data makes the research unique.
Significance and Contribution of the Research
This study is essential as it may contribute to positive changes in measles vaccination rates. First, it will allow assessing the scope of the problem from the perspective of mass media. In other words, the research will contribute to understanding whether media coverage is a considerable reason for parents’ refusal to administer a vaccine.
In the case of a positive correlation, health care providers will assess the necessity of addressing this issue. In particular, it will motivate medical professionals to dispel misconceptions about the procedure and make the patients feel more secure. In this way, people will be more open to taking vaccines without being captivated by the fears and misunderstandings they may have previously had.
References
Benn, C. S., Martins, C. L., Andersen, A., Fisker, A. B., Whittle, H. C., & Aaby, P. (2020). Measles vaccination in presence of measles antibody may enhance child survival. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 8(20), 1-6. Web.
Conis, E. (2019). Measles and the modern history of vaccination. Public Health Reports, 134(2), 118-125. Web.
Mina, M. J., Kula, T., Leng, Y., Li, M., De Vries, R. D., Knip, M., Siljander, H., Rewers, M., Choy, D. F., Wilson, M. S., Larman, H. B., Nelson, A. N., Griffin, D. E., de Swart, R. L., & Elledge, S. J. (2019). Measles virus infection diminishes preexisting antibodies that offer protection from other pathogens. Science, 366(6465), 599-606. Web.
Ward, T. (2021). Relationship between media coverage and child measles vaccination uptake [Doctoral dissertation]. Walden University.