Americans Divided on Importance of Flu Vaccination

As more people return to the workplace amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic—and during flu season—health experts are concerned that not enough will receive the flu vaccine, leading to a “twindemic,” Infection Control Today reports. 

A recent survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Disease found that although 61% of those surveyed agree that flu vaccination is the best preventive measure against flu-related deaths and hospitalizations, 44% are either unsure or do not plan to get the vaccination.

Among those not planning to get vaccinated:

• 39% of survey respondents do not think vaccine works very well
• 36% say they never get the flu
• 25% have concerns about potential side effects
• 20% don’t think the flu is a serious illness
• 19% are concerned about getting the flu from the vaccine.

“While we do not know what the activity will be like this fall, I urge everyone age 6 months and older to get vaccinated. If you are unsure about getting a flu vaccine, please take the time to get the information you need to make the right choice for your health and to get vaccinated,” said U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. “The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, and the risk of both flu and COVID-19 circulating could put additional strain on hospitals and frontline health care professionals.”