As flu season approaches, a surprising statistic emerges: only 50% of adults intend to receive a flu shot this year. The World Health Organization identified the global influenza pandemic as one of the top ten threats to public health in 2019, yet many individuals seem reluctant to get vaccinated. Despite health officials urging everyone over six months of age to get an annual flu shot, a recent study by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) revealed that only 60% of adults view the flu vaccine positively. Alarmingly, the CDC estimates that merely 40% of those who plan to get vaccinated will actually follow through.
The reasons behind this hesitance are puzzling; some may stem from barriers like lack of access to healthcare. Approximately 8.5% of Americans lack health insurance, and many pharmacies offering “free flu shots” do not accept all insurance plans. Additionally, the effort required to schedule a simple vaccination can deter some individuals.
When this topic was shared on social media, numerous commenters expressed their personal reasons for avoiding flu shots. Many claimed to have fallen ill after vaccination or attributed their lack of flu to not receiving the vaccine. Others suggested unverified holistic alternatives. Dr. Samara Jenkins, the medical director of NFID, highlights the critical need for annual flu vaccinations, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health issues. She noted that even if someone contracts the flu after vaccination, the symptoms are typically milder and less severe, reducing the risk of complications like pneumonia or hospitalization.
It’s perplexing that some people would forgo the flu vaccine, especially given that the CDC recorded 80,000 flu-related deaths during the 2017-2018 season. Dr. Emily Carver, NFID’s president-elect, lamented the loss of 135 children to the flu last year, noting that only 63% of kids received their flu shots.
Dr. Jenkins emphasized that unless the flu vaccine is prioritized, vaccine-preventable diseases will continue to affect the U.S. population. To counteract common myths surrounding the vaccine—such as the misconception that it can cause the flu—the CDC has compiled an informative document. Therefore, it’s crucial to get vaccinated, ideally before the end of October.
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In summary, the low percentage of adults planning to get the flu shot raises concerns amidst a significant public health threat. Understanding the reasons behind this hesitance and dispelling myths surrounding the vaccine could encourage more individuals to protect themselves and their communities.