Survey: Less than 20% of U.S. adults concerned for themselves or family receiving infection ahead of respiratory virus season

Sep 27, 2024 - 02:50 PM
A man feeding his wife who is hospitalized with the flu

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases Sept. 25 released a survey showing that less than one in five U.S. adults are concerned about themselves or a family member getting a respiratory virus infection this fall and winter. The survey, conducted in August, found that 20% are concerned about COVID-19, 17% are concerned about flu, 17% are concerned about pneumococcal disease and 16% are concerned about respiratory syncytial virus. Additionally, it found that while 67% of adults agree that an annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths, 45% said they do not plan to or are unsure if they will receive a flu vaccine this season, and 38% said they definitely plan to. Regarding COVID-19, 26% of adults said they will definitely get an updated vaccine. Among those for whom a vaccine is recommended, only 21% said they will definitely get an RSV vaccine and 24% said they would definitely receive one against pneumococcal disease.

Related News Articles

Headline
CDC releases report on flu, COVID-19 vaccination coverage for health care workers for 2024-25 respiratory season 
Flu and COVID-19 vaccination rates among all health care workers for the 2024-25 respiratory virus season was 76.3% and 40.2%, respectively, according to a…
Headline
Current flu vaccine found to be 30% effective in reducing adult hospitalizations, 41% for children 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report March 12 on the effectiveness of the flu vaccine for the 2025-2026 flu season, finding that it…
Headline
CDC report highlights low use of COVID-19 antivirals among people 65 and older 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Feb. 19 released a report on the low use of COVID-19 antiviral drugs among individuals age 65 and older, a…
Headline
CDC report finds COVID-19 vaccine for children reduced chances of ED, urgent care visits
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dec. 11 released a report that found last year’s version of the COVID-19 vaccine was 76% effective in preventing…
Headline
Washington resident dies from bird flu strain not previously detected in humans 
A Washington resident recently hospitalized with the H5N5 strain of bird flu died Nov. 21, according to the Washington State Department of Health. The…
Headline
CDC data shows rise in flu, COVID-19 cases across states 
Flu cases are growing or likely growing in 39 states, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from Nov. 11. COVID-19…