"Herd Immunity and You" investigated the feasibility of constructing and implementing an educational program for students on the WPI campus. The intent was to educate students about the importance of herd immunity within the college community and misconceptions associated with influenza and the vaccine. Subsequently, first-year students were encouraged to raise vaccination rates to achieve herd immunity. This project included the construction, implementation, and outcome of the interactive simulation and the associated data analysis. The outcome showed that this program was an effective means of educating students about the seasonal flu, but that vaccine cost and availability prevent the majority from getting vaccinated. A possible solution to this problem is outlined for future research.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Pugliese, Brenna Rose
• Pitman, Jocelyn E
• Holmes, Andrew O

Subject

• Health
• Well-Being
• Community
• Learning

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-022012-190547

Keyword

• Public health
• Medical care

Advisor

• Rulfs, Jill

Year

• 2012

Date created

• 2012-02-20

Location

• Worcester

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright