55% of adult population in Greater Washington, DC say they will not get H1N1 flu vaccine, reveals poll results

Greater Washington Board of TradeNov 6 2009

Board of Trade Concerned for Workforce Health and Economic Implications

Fifty-five percent of the adult population in the Greater Washington, DC region say they will not get the H1N1 flu vaccine, according to a new poll commissioned by the Greater Washington Board of Trade.

The poll, conducted by Washington, DC-based Clarus Research Group and sponsored by Tatum LLC, found that more than one-third of parents with children living at home do not plan on getting the H1N1 flu vaccine this year.

"The Greater Washington business community has a long way to go to be better prepared for a swine flu outbreak," said Jim Dinegar, president and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. "This poll shows that the workforce is at a higher risk of being infected by the swine flu. Not only is the majority of the workforce not planning to get the swine flu vaccine, the government is not making them a priority group."

"The higher one's income, the more likely he or she will get vaccinated," added Ron Faucheux, president of Clarus Research Group.

Greater Washington by Income:

• Adults earning $50,000 or less: 28 percent plan on getting the vaccine
• Adults earning $50,000-$99,000: 33 percent plan on getting the vaccine
• Adults earning $100,000 or more: 42 plan on getting the vaccine

Greater Washington by Gender, Jurisdiction:

• Men in the Greater Washington region: 38 percent plan on getting the vaccine
• Women in the Greater Washington region: 36 percent plan on getting the vaccine
• Residents of Northern Virginia: 39 percent plan on getting the vaccine
• Residents of Suburban Maryland: 37 percent plan on getting the vaccine
• Residents of Washington, DC: 34 percent plan on getting the vaccine

Greater Washington vs. Nationwide

The Greater Washington Board of Trade's survey indicated a slightly higher interest in the vaccine among adults in this region than a recent national survey found in the rest of the nation. A mid-October nationwide poll conducted for Washington Post-ABC News indicated:

• Adults nationwide that plan on getting the vaccine: 33 percent
• Adults nationwide that do not plan on getting the vaccine: 62 percent
• Adults nationwide that have gotten the vaccine: 2 percent
• Adults nationwide that had no opinion: 3 percent
• Parents nationwide that plan on getting their children the vaccinate: 52 percent
• Parents nationwide that do not plan on getting their children the vaccinate: 39 percent
• Parents nationwide that have gotten their children the vaccine: 4 percent
• Parents nationwide that had no opinion: 6 percent

Clarus conducted the regional survey based on a representative, scientifically selected sample of 1,202 adults in the Greater Washington, DC region. The margin of error is +/- 2.9 percent. Interviews were conducted via telephone by live interviewers from November 1-5, 2009.

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The following are the actual questions asked in the survey along with top line results:

ASKED OF ALL ADULTSH-one-N-one" vaccine. Do you plan to get the "H-one-N-one" swine flu vaccine this year or do you think you probably will not get it?

Will get -- 37%

Will not get -- 55

Already got -- 2

Don't know -- 6

IF RESPONDENT SAID THEY HAVE AT LEAST ONE CHILD UNDER 18 YEARS OLD LIVING AT HOMEH-one-N-one" vaccine this year or do you think you probably will not have them get it?

Will get -- 47%

Will not get -- 35

Already got -- 8

Don't know -- 10

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Survey Presented by Greater Washington Board of Trade

The Greater Washington Board of Trade is the Greater Washington region's premier business network and the only local business association representing all industry sectors. Founded in 1889, the Board of Trade enjoys a long history of helping its members' businesses grow by providing content-rich programs, connecting business leaders and marketing Greater Washington's economic opportunities. As Greater Washington's regional business organization, the Board of Trade addresses business concerns that stretch across geographic boundaries, such as transportation, emergency preparedness, green as a competitive advantage and workforce issues. For more information, visit www.BoardofTrade.org.

Survey Conducted by Clarus Research Group

Clarus Research Group is a full-service and nonpartisan survey research firm based in Washington, D.C. Clarus provides a full range of polling and market research services to corporate, association, nonprofit and public affairs clients. Clarus conducts public opinion surveys, focus groups, branding studies and media research. Dr. Ron Faucheux, who also teaches at the Public Policy Institute at Georgetown University, heads it. For more information, visit http://www.ClarusRG.com/.

Survey Sponsored by Tatum LLC

Companies turn to Tatum when critical business challenges arise because we immediately deliver financial and technology operational expertise via solutions tailored to the Office of the CFO. We leverage nearly 1,000 executives and consulting professionals nationwide to accelerate results and create more value(TM). For more information, visit www.TatumLLC.com.