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Low Flu Shot Rates Puzzle—Some Plausible Behavioral Explanations

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  • Shosh Shahrabani
  • Amiram Gafni
  • Uri Ben-Zion

Abstract

The paper presents an economic model to analyze an individual's decision about whether or not to be vaccinated against influenza. It shows that based upon objective parameters, the vaccination rate should be high. Yet, empirical findings indicate low vaccination rates. Therefore, we use the behavioral approach and subjective variables to explain the empirical findings. The subjective variables in the model include perceived infection probability, time preference, subjective costs of vaccination, perceived severity of illness and perceived vaccination effectiveness. A low vaccination rate has a negative externality on society. The paper discusses potential policies that can be applied to changing the situation.

Suggested Citation

  • Shosh Shahrabani & Amiram Gafni & Uri Ben-Zion, 2008. "Low Flu Shot Rates Puzzle—Some Plausible Behavioral Explanations," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 52(1), pages 66-72, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:amerec:v:52:y:2008:i:1:p:66-72
    DOI: 10.1177/056943450805200106
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wu, Stephen, 2003. "Sickness and preventive medical behavior," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 22(4), pages 675-689, July.
    2. Charles, Cathy & Gafni, Amiram & Whelan, Tim, 1999. "Decision-making in the physician-patient encounter: revisiting the shared treatment decision-making model," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 49(5), pages 651-661, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yoshiro Tsutsui & Uri Benzionb & Shosh Shahrabanic & Gregory Yom Din, 2009. "Decision to get influenza vaccination: A behavioral economic approach," Discussion Papers in Economics and Business 09-17, Osaka University, Graduate School of Economics.
    2. Yoshiro Tsusui & Uri Benzion & Shosh Shahrabani, 2010. "ECONOMIC AND BEHAVIORAL FACTORS IN AN INDIVIDUAL fS DECISION TO GET AN INFLUENZA VACCINATION IN JAPAN," Discussion Papers in Economics and Business 10-23, Osaka University, Graduate School of Economics.
    3. Herberholz, Chantal, 2020. "Risk attitude, time preference and health behaviours in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 87(C).

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