National survey shows hesitancy about vaccines this fall, with 37% of respondents believing they don’t need vaccination

With flu season simply across the nook and COVID-19 instances on the rise, a brand new nationwide survey from The Ohio State College Wexner Medical Heart reveals hesitancy round vaccines this fall. The brand new information comes simply as this yr’s flu shot rolls out and following the FDA’s approval of an up to date spherical of COVID-19 vaccines.

The nationwide ballot of 1,006 folks discovered greater than one-third (37%) have gotten vaccines prior to now however don’t plan to this yr. The identical p.c of respondents mentioned they do not want any of the vaccines surveyed within the ballot, together with flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Different survey outcomes discovered:

A slight majority (56%) of adults have gotten or plan to get the flu shot this fall.
Lower than half (43%) have gotten or plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Adults age 65 and older are the probably to get beneficial vaccines.

“We’re firstly of respiratory virus season when you’ve gotten the triple risk of flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Sadly, there may be numerous misinformation about vaccinations, however the actuality is that they’re secure and extremely efficient in stopping critical sickness and demise. Older adults, folks with sure continual medical circumstances and people who are pregnant are particularly in danger throughout respiratory virus season,” mentioned Nora Colburn, MD, medical director of medical epidemiology at Ohio State’s Richard M. Ross Coronary heart Hospital.

CDC’s beneficial vaccines

Flu: Annual vaccination is beneficial for everybody aged 6 months and older.
COVID-19: Up to date vaccination is beneficial for everybody aged 6 months and older.
RSV: Everybody aged 75 and older, adults aged 60-74 who’re at elevated threat of extreme illness, and pregnant folks throughout weeks 32-36 from September to January.
Pneumococcal: Everybody youthful than 5 years and aged 65 and older. Moreover, vaccination is beneficial for youngsters and adults at elevated threat of extreme illness.

“Vaccinations play a vital function in serving to to maintain people and communities wholesome. Different issues you are able to do are to remain house when sick, keep away from those that are sick and put on a masks if you happen to’re not feeling nicely and going out of your property. All of these items may also help forestall you from getting sick and spreading it to others,” Colburn mentioned.

Survey methodology

This survey was performed on behalf of The Ohio State College Wexner Medical Heart by SSRS on its Opinion Panel Omnibus platform. The SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus is a nationwide, twice-per-month, probability-based survey. Information assortment was performed from August 16–August 18, 2024, amongst a pattern of 1,006 respondents.

The survey was performed through net (n=975) and phone (n=31) and administered in English. The margin of error for complete respondents is +/-3.8 proportion factors on the 95% confidence degree. All SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus information are weighted to symbolize the goal inhabitants of U.S. adults ages 18 or older.