Survey says most Americans plan to get flu shot, but not COVID-19 booster

A majority of respondents to a poll released Thursday said they have gotten or plan to get this year’s flu vaccine, while less than half said the same about the 2024 COVID-19 booster.

Thirty-seven percent in the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center survey said they have gotten vaccines in the past but do not plan to again.

Some 56 percent said they will get or have already received the flu shot, but only 43 percent have gotten or plan to get the coronavirus vaccine.

“We’re at the start of respiratory virus season when you have the triple threat of flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about vaccinations, but the reality is that they are safe and highly effective in preventing serious illness and death,” said Nora Colburn, medical director of clinical epidemiology at Ohio State’s Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, in a statement.

“Older adults, people with certain chronic medical conditions and those who are pregnant are especially at risk during respiratory virus season,” Colburn added.

Doctors recommend that everyone receive updated COVID-19 vaccines outside of infants younger than 6 months, and that children older than 6 years receive updated flu shots annually.

According to Colburn, “Vaccinations play a critical role in helping keep individuals and communities healthy. Other things you can do is to stay home when sick, avoid those who are sick and wear a mask if you’re not feeling well and going out of your home. All of these things can help prevent you from getting sick and spreading it to others.”

The survey was conducted on behalf of the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center by SSRS from Aug. 16-18 among 1,006 respondents. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.

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