FLU season is approaching, and with COVID-19 cases rising, a new national survey by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, highlighted significant hesitancy about vaccines this fall. The survey, conducted with 1,006 adults, followed as updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines became available, alongside new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines for specific populations.
The survey found that 37% of respondents who have received vaccines in the past do not plan to get vaccinated this year. This same number of people believe they don’t need any vaccines, including those for flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease, and RSV.
Key findings included:
• Flu Vaccine: 56% of adults have received or plan to get the flu shot.
• COVID-19 Vaccine: 43% have received or intend to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
• Age Group Trends: Adults 65 and older are most likely to follow vaccine recommendations.
Nora Colburn, Medical Director of Clinical Epidemiology at Ohio State Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, Columbus, emphasized the urgency: “We’re entering respiratory virus season with flu, COVID-19, and RSV posing a triple threat. Vaccinations are safe, effective, and crucial in preventing severe illness, especially for older adults, those with chronic conditions, and pregnant individuals.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the following:
• Flu: Annual vaccination for everyone 6 months and older.
• COVID-19: Updated vaccination for everyone 6 months and older.
• RSV: Vaccination for those 75 and older, adults aged 60-74 at increased risk, and pregnant individuals between weeks 32-36 during the fall and winter.
• Pneumococcal: For individuals under 5 years old, those 65 and older, and those at increased risk.
Colburn advised healthcare providers to educate patients on the importance of vaccinations and to remind them of additional precautions: staying home when sick, avoiding sick individuals, and masking when unwell. The survey underscores the need for proactive patient engagement to combat misinformation and promote vaccine uptake this season.
Reference: EurekAlert! New national survey shows hesitancy about vaccines this fall. Available at: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1057337? 2024. Last accessed: September 19, 2024.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
