In a new poll, 37% of people who got vaccines in the past will do so again this year. However, the same amount of people said they didn’t need vaccines for COVID-19, flu, pneumococcal and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center conducted a survey of 1,006 adults 18 and older from Aug. 16 to Aug. 18.
A majority of adults — 56% — said they got or planned to get a flu shot this fall. About 43% have gotten or plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine. People aged 65 and up are most likely to get the recommended vaccines, the results showed.
“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. Older adults, people with certain chronic medical conditions and those who are pregnant are especially at risk during respiratory virus season,” Nora Colburn, MD, medical director of clinical epidemiology at Ohio State’s Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, said in a statement.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone 6 months and older should get flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Everyone over 75, as well as those between ages 60 and 74 who are at a higher risk of severe disease, and some pregnant people, should receive an RSV shot. Everyone younger than 5 years and older than 65 should get a pneumococcal vaccine. Children and adults at increased risk of severe disease.
“Vaccinations play a critical role in helping to keep individuals and communities healthy. Other things you can do [are] 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,” Colburn said.
