11 stories for National Influenza Vaccination Week
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Key takeaways:
- Dec. 2 to Dec. 6 is National Influenza Vaccination Week.
- CDC data show that influenza vaccination rates are lower than this time last year among children and pregnant women but similar among adults.
During National Influenza Vaccination Week, from Dec. 2 to Dec. 6, experts are urging everyone eligible to get vaccinated and improve the low uptake reported so far this year.
"Getting your flu vaccine is one of the most effective and proven ways to protect yourself and those around you from severe illness, hospitalizations, and even death caused by influenza,” Eduardo Sanchez, MD, MPH, the American Heart Association's chief medical officer for prevention, said in a press release issued by the American Lung Association.
“For older adults, children, and those with chronic health conditions, the flu vaccine is especially critical, as these groups face higher risks of complications,” he said.
According to the CDC, vaccination rates across several populations are lower than what was reported this time last year. As of Nov. 16, only 33.2% of children had received influenza vaccinations compared with 38.2% at the same time last season. Among adults, coverage was similar to this time last year, with 36.6% having received their influenza vaccination.
However, data specific for pregnant women showed rates have decreased, with 32.3% of pregnant women receiving an influenza vaccine compared with 33% at this time in 2023.
With so many people unvaccinated, “it's more important than ever to prioritize this simple yet impactful preventive measure,” Sanchez said.
In observance of National Influenza Vaccination Week, Healio has compiled recent stories outlining strides made in influenza vaccine research and tools in place to help vaccinate key populations.
Vaccine coverage for COVID-19, flu and RSV up from last year
More U.S. adults have been vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 2024 compared with 2023, though uptake of the vaccines remains low (18%, 35%, and 31%, respectively). Read more.
Social vulnerability negatively impacts vaccine uptake
Fewer than half of people in a study assessing patients with acute respiratory infections who were treated between Oct. 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024, received vaccines against RSV, COVID-19 or influenza. Researchers explained that race and socioeconomic conditions significantly affected the vaccine uptake. Read more.
Racially diverse patients exhibit less vaccine hesitancy
A study showed that patients for whom English was not a primary language exhibited less vaccine hesitancy, while prior vaccination raised the chances of current vaccination and mistrust of authority was the most common driver of hesitancy. Read more.
Simultaneous adjuvant flu, RZV vaccines a safe, ‘acceptable option’ for older adults
Study participants who received both adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine and quadrivalent adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccine during the same visit had similar adverse reaction rates as those who received recombinant zoster vaccine in tandem with the quadrivalent high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine. Read more.
Flu vaccine uptake low in Southern Hemisphere, study finds
While vaccination reduced influenza-related hospitalizations by around one-third in the Southern Hemisphere this year, interim CDC data showed that influenza uptake was “poor” with just 21.3% of people in five South American countries receiving an influenza vaccine this season. Read more.
FDA approves nasal spray as first self-administered flu vaccine
In late September, the FDA approved FluMist — the first influenza vaccine that does not have to be given by a health care provider — for self- or caregiver-administration for people aged 2 to 49 years. Read more.
Over one-third of adults not planning on receiving recommended vaccines this fall
Results of a survey from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center showed that only 56% of respondents planned to receive an influenza vaccine this fall while 37% of respondents said they received vaccines in the past but did not plan on doing so this year. Read more.
High-dose flu vaccine maintains efficacy in older adults with chronic CVD
High- vs. standard-dose influenza vaccine was linked to a lower incidence of mortality and hospitalizations for pneumonia or influenza regardless of chronic cardiovascular disease. Read more.
Q&A: Are combination vaccines the future for respiratory infections?
Moderna’s combination COVID-19 influenza vaccine showed positive data against three influenza strains — H1N1, H3N2, and B/Victoria — as well as SARS-CoV-2. Amesh A. Adalja, MD, discussed how combination vaccines, such as Moderna’s mRNA-1083, could impact respiratory illnesses and vaccine development. Read more.
Training helps obstetric offices increase maternal flu vaccination
An online training module that instructed clinicians to assess vaccination status and use strong language to recommend vaccines effectively increased influenza vaccine uptake at 12 obstetrics clinics. Read more.
‘We were a bit surprised’: Asking patients in ED about flu shot improves uptake
Use of an influenza vaccine messaging platform in EDs increased vaccine uptake among unvaccinated patients. Read more.
References:
- CDC. FluFax View. https://www.cdc.gov/fluvaxview/dashboard/index.html. Updated Nov. 14, 2024. Accessed Dec. 3, 2024.
- Leading Health Organizations Urge Flu Vaccination for Those at Higher Risk. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-health-organizations-urge-flu-vaccination-for-those-at-higher-risk-302320305.html?tc=eml_cleartime. Published Dec. 3, 2024. Accessed Dec. 3, 2024.
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