A national survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found a surprising feeling of hesitancy among individuals when considering vaccines this fall—just as the new flu season approaches. Among 1,006 people surveyed, researchers found 37% have received vaccines in the past but do not plan to get them this year. The same percentage of respondents said they don’t need any of the vaccines surveyed in the poll, including flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal, and respiratory syncytial virus vaccines. About 56% of adults have gotten or plan to get the flu shot this fall, and 43% have gotten or plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Adults age 65 and older are the most likely to get the recommended vaccines.
As busy as could be: While many individuals may question the safety or the need for vaccines, there’s no doubt that plenty of people skip them simply because they don’t want to interrupt their busy schedules with a vaccine appointment.