A recent survey by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) reveals concerning trends ahead of the 2024 respiratory illness season. Despite the rise in flu-related pediatric deaths and continued COVID-19 concerns, fewer than one in five US adults plan to get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or pneumococcal disease this fall and winter. The survey also highlights widespread vaccine hesitancy, driven by concerns about side effects and distrust in vaccines.
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccine Intentions Alarmingly Low
While 67% of US adults recognize annual flu vaccination as a critical way to prevent hospitalizations and deaths, only 38% plan to get vaccinated. The numbers are even more concerning for other vaccines: 26% intend to get an updated COVID-19 shot, and only 21% and 24% plan to get RSV and pneumococcal vaccines, respectively. Many Americans remain unconcerned about these potentially serious infections, with only 17% worried about contracting flu and just 20% concerned about COVID-19.
CDC Urges Vaccination to Curb Severe Illness and Deaths
At a press conference in Washington, DC, health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NFID stressed the importance of vaccines, especially for high-risk individuals. CDC Director Mandy K. Cohen, MD, MPH, emphasized that vaccines are the most effective tool in preventing serious illness. Last season alone saw an estimated 25,000 flu-related deaths and 75,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the US. Flu-related pediatric deaths also reached a record high of 199, making this an urgent public health issue.
Why Vaccine Hesitancy Persists
The NFID survey underscores the importance of building vaccine confidence. Many Americans who are hesitant about getting vaccinated cite concerns over side effects and a general distrust of vaccines. Public health leaders, including Reed V. Tuckson, MD, co-founder of the Black Coalition Against COVID, highlighted the critical need for trustworthy, evidence-based messaging, especially in communities of color.
Respiratory Season 2024: The Importance of Being Prepared
As flu season looms, health experts stress that this is the time for action. According to Demetre C. Daskalakis, MD, MPH, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, flu and COVID-19 vaccines have proven life-saving benefits, reducing the risk of hospitalizations and deaths. For instance, flu vaccines are estimated to have prevented 131,000 hospitalizations and 7,000 deaths, while COVID-19 vaccines likely prevented another 40,000-100,000 hospitalizations last year.
Health officials recommend that all adults, especially those at higher risk, consult with their healthcare providers about which vaccines are right for them.