PSA Draft - Complete

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Metropolitan State University Of Denver *

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1020

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English

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Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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5

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Lindelow 1 Emily Lindelow Professor Blake ENG 1009 09 October 2023 Persuading Public Health: Rhetorical Analysis of the Flu Vaccination PSA The flu vaccination PSA is a persuasive communication tactic. The campaign was planned to encourage individuals to obtain annual flu shots. This analysis critically evaluates the PSA's rhetorical success by examining its strategic use of Ethos, Logos, Pathos, and Kairos. We will also examine the influenza vaccine's history, development, public health importance, and prevalent misconceptions. This investigation illuminates the PSA's purpose and significant effects on public welfare. Analyzing Rhetorical Appeals in the Flu Vaccination PSA The flu vaccine PSA is a remarkable example of persuasive communication using ethos, logos, pathos, and kairos. Appeals are vital for shaping public opinion and action. The flu vaccination PSA shows that each argument was carefully chosen to maximize persuasiveness. Ethos, a fundamental element of persuasion, is vividly exemplified in the PSA. The panel includes esteemed individuals such as Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Anne Schuchat, highly regarded authorities in the realm of infectious diseases. Including these individuals enhances the perceived legitimacy of the message, fostering a sense of confidence and reliance among the recipients. Additionally, the PSA showcases healthcare professionals administering flu shots, further reinforcing its credibility by demonstrating the endorsement of those directly involved in healthcare delivery.
Lindelow 2 Logos, the appeal to logic and reason, is effectively harnessed through the presentation of statistics and facts ( Higgins & Walker, 2012) . For instance, the PSA starkly states that the flu claims an average of 36,000 lives annually in the United States, a compelling statistic that underscores the severity of the disease. Furthermore, it emphasizes the flu vaccine's effectiveness, asserting a 40-60% prevention rate. This logical appeal provides viewers with tangible evidence supporting the PSA's central message. Pathos, the emotional appeal, is artfully integrated into the PSA's narrative ( Higgins & Walker, 2012) . It tugs at heartstrings by portraying emotionally charged scenes, such as a young child hospitalized for the flu. Such visuals are intentionally crafted to evoke empathy and elicit an emotional response from the audience. By witnessing the suffering caused by the flu, viewers are compelled to consider the potential consequences of not getting vaccinated. Kairos, the appeal to timeliness and relevance, is a strategic component of the PSA's effectiveness. It is released annually during the flu season when people are most inclined to contemplate getting a flu shot. The PSA capitalizes on the immediate concerns surrounding the flu, including the emergence of new, more dangerous flu strains. This timing ensures the message resonates with the audience when the topic is at the forefront of public consciousness. Historical Context and Vitality of Flu Vaccination Understanding how the influenza vaccine has developed historically shows how important it is to public health. The flu vaccine's groundbreaking creation began in the 1930s when researchers at the University of Michigan started working on it. The first moves toward its more comprehensive civilian application were made during World War II when it was crucial in protecting military troops against influenza. A new era of widespread acceptance and administration of the flu vaccination began in 1945 with the issuance of the first license for its use in civilian populations.
Lindelow 3 The influenza vaccine has undergone constant changes throughout its development to resist the influenza virus's constant evolution adequately. A group of scientists identified the high mutation rate of the flu virus in the 1950s, which was a significant discovery. The trivalent flu vaccination was made possible thanks to this critical finding. This vaccine targets three influenza strains to counteract the virus's intrinsic variability. The quadrivalent influenza vaccine, which protects against four flu strains, was developed after the 1970s discovery of influenza B. The importance of influenza vaccination cannot be emphasized. The influenza virus, a potentially lethal illness, claims an estimated 36,000 lives yearly in the United States ( Bernstein et al., 2022) . Young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and chronically unwell adults are especially vulnerable. These high-risk groups are more vulnerable. However, vaccination within these groups acts as a powerful shield, significantly reducing the likelihood of having severe flu-related complications or even death, cementing its reputation as an essential prophylactic measure. To dispel erroneous beliefs, it is imperative to underscore the safety and effectiveness of the influenza vaccine. The formulation of this vaccine involves the utilization of attenuated or inactivated influenza viruses, which effectively prevents the induction of influenza infection. While the conventional route of administration involves injection, there is also an available alternative in the form of a nasal spray. Localized injection site discomfort, headaches, muscle soreness, fatigue, and a little body temperature increase may occur. The flu vaccine reduces the risk of infection by 40–60%, according to the CDC. Because the flu virus mutates yearly, a yearly vaccination is needed to maintain protection. Every year, the vaccine undergoes extensive modification to align with the anticipated main strains of the virus for the upcoming season. This yearly vaccination is essential for adequate protection and to reduce the overall impact of influenza on public health.
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