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
HHS seeks feedback on immunization categories in executive order on childhood vaccine schedule
The Department of Health of Human Services Aug. 21 issued a request for information seeking feedback on immunization categories within the Aug. 10 executive…
Headline
CDC reports increase in kindergarten vaccine exemptions
For the 2025-2026 school year, exemptions from one or more vaccines among U.S. kindergartners was at 4.2%, increasing from 3.6% for the previous school year,…
Headline
FDA approves first mRNA-based flu vaccine 
The Food and Drug Administration Aug. 5 approved the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, called mFlusiva. The vaccine is manufactured by Moderna and was approved for…
Headline
HHS to end emergency authorization for COVID-19 drugs, medical devices 
The Department of Health and Human Services June 30 announced it will terminate emergency use authorization declarations for certain drugs and medical devices…
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…