Over one-third of adults not planning on receiving recommended vaccines this fall
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Key takeaways:
- Overall, 37% of respondents had gotten vaccines in the past but do not plan on doing so this fall.
- Additionally, 23% of respondents said they were confused about current vaccine recommendations.
Almost one-third of people do not plan on receiving recommended vaccinations this fall, according to the results of a recent survey from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Survey results also revealed that almost one-quarter of respondents are confused about current vaccine recommendations.
“I am pleased that many respondents plan to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, but we clearly have an opportunity to encourage everyone to get their vaccines,” Nora Colburn, MD, the medical director of clinical epidemiology at Ohio State’s Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, told Healio. “COVID-19 and flu vaccines are incredibly safe and are critical to protect the health of our community. Vaccines reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death from these viruses and can prevent the spread of these infections to people who are particularly vulnerable.”
Although the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to changes in parental vaccine hesitancy, low uptake was still observed for several vaccines, like those for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
In the survey, 1,006 respondents answered whether they were planning on receiving COVID-19, RSV, shingles, pneumococcal or influenza vaccines, in addition to whether they were confused by current vaccine recommendations.
The researchers found that 37% of respondents said that they have gotten vaccines in the past but do not plan on getting them this year.
The same percentage of respondents said that they do not feel they need the vaccines.
Just over half (56%) of respondents said they have gotten or are planning to get the influenza vaccine this fall, whereas less than half (43%) have gotten or plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Additionally, 23% expressed confusion about the current recommendations for vaccines.
Adults aged 65 years and older were most likely to receive the recommended influenza shots, although only 39% and 26% said they planned on receiving a pneumococcal vaccine or RSV vaccine, respectively.
“It is critical that people at high risk of severe disease — those with chronic medical problems, pregnant women, and people aged 65 [years] and older — stay up to date on vaccination,” Colburn told Healio.
Healio previously reported on what clinicians should know about the upcoming respiratory virus season, particularly when it comes to talking about the recommended vaccines with patients.
According to CDC experts, physicians should use key talking points, like how immunization is the best defense against viruses that can result in adverse health outcomes, and continue to recommend vaccines even if the patient declines the first time.
“Studies have shown that people are more likely to get a vaccine when it is specifically recommended by a trusted health care provider,” Colburn said. “I hope that every health care provider can take a few minutes and talk with their patients [about] why they should get vaccinated and alleviate any safety concerns they may have. I also tell my patients that my family and I are up to date on our flu and COVID-19 vaccines.”
She added that it is important to remember that “we are all in this together” as the respiratory virus season approaches.
“Remember to wash your hands frequently, stay home if you are sick, wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms and get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines,” she said.