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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. Gretchen B. Chapman & Elliot J. Coups, 1999. "Time Preferences and Preventive Health Behavior," Medical Decision Making, , vol. 19(3), pages 307-314, August.
    2. Charles, Cathy & Gafni, Amiram & Whelan, Tim, 1997. "Shared decision-making in the medical encounter: What does it mean? (or it takes at least two to tango)," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 44(5), pages 681-692, March.
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    8. Francis, Peter J., 1997. "Dynamic epidemiology and the market for vaccinations," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 63(3), pages 383-406, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. 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).
    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. Guillon, Marlène & Nguyen-Van, Phu & Ventelou, Bruno & Willinger, Marc, 2024. "Consumer impatience: A key motive for Covid-19 vaccination," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    4. 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.

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