Most Americans Agree Vaccines Are Effective, but Lack Plans to Get Shots
October 2, 2024
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) commissioned an annual survey among U.S. adults to better understand current attitudes and behaviors about influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal disease.
Overall, the survey found that while the majority (67%) of U.S. adults agree that an annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths, nearly half (45%) said they do not plan to or are unsure they will get vaccinated against flu this season. Only 38% said they definitely plan to get a flu vaccine this year.
The same holds true for other respiratory disease vaccines:
- 26% will definitely get an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- 21% will definitely get vaccinated against RSV (among those for whom it is recommended).
- 24% plan to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease (among those for whom it is recommended).
Among those who do not plan to get vaccinated, the top reasons cited were concerns about side effects, a lack of trust in vaccines in general, concern about getting sick from vaccines, or a belief that vaccines do not work well overall.
Survey findings highlighted the need for greater awareness about the risks of respiratory diseases as well as the safety and benefits of vaccines, both in terms of preventing infections and reducing the risk of hospitalization or death. Healthcare professionals remain the most trusted source of information about vaccines and play a critical role in protecting public health by providing clear, consistent, and strong vaccine recommendations. Most U.S. adults (75%) trust doctors, nurses, and pharmacists a great deal or a lot. Slightly more than half (55%) of U.S. adults trust the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and 51% trust state and local health departments a great deal or a lot.
Still, overall, less than one in five U.S. adults expressed concern about themselves or someone in their family getting a respiratory infection this fall and winter:
- 16% are concerned about RSV.
- 17% are concerned about flu.
- 17% are concerned about pneumococcal disease.
- 20% are concerned about COVID-19.
Concern about COVID-19 has dropped over time—23% of U.S. adults reported being very or extremely concerned about COVID-19 in 2023, and 34% in 2022.
