Dose of Perspective: Investigating Generational Attitudes on Vaccination

Welcome to my research blog! Over the next few months, I’ll be investigating how attitudes toward the cold/flu vaccine have shifted across generations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. My project focuses on two key age groups: youth (16–18) and seniors (65+), exploring how trust, safety, and necessity influence their perceptions of vaccines.

Why study this? The pandemic brought vaccines into the spotlight—not just as a medical solution but as a topic of debate shaped by misinformation, media influence, and cultural factors. For youth, the prevalence of digital misinformation could contribute to greater vaccine hesitancy. Meanwhile, seniors, while potentially more trusting of vaccines, may face accessibility barriers that influence their choices. Understanding these differences is critical for improving vaccine outreach and public health strategies.

This project will gather insights through a nationwide survey distributed both online and in person. Responses from youth will be collected through high schools, social media, and community organizations, while senior participation will be facilitated through senior centers, libraries, and healthcare facilities. The survey combines quantitative questions, like Likert scales and multiple-choice, with open-ended prompts to capture both data trends and personal perspectives.

The goal isn’t just to collect information but to use it to inform targeted public health strategies. By identifying the unique concerns and barriers each group faces, this research aims to bridge generational gaps in vaccine perceptions, ultimately helping to combat misinformation and improve vaccine uptake.

With guidance from Ms. Jennifer Obina, an expert in Infection Control, and Ms. Apra, I’m excited to start this journey. By the end of the school year, I hope to produce findings that contribute to better public health education and more equitable healthcare solutions.

Stay tuned for updates on the progress, challenges, and insights I uncover along the way.