Last year’s deadly flu season was unusually severe and cost the lives of many people. Now that the new flu season is already underway, the medical community is still urging the unvaccinated members of the public to get immunized. However, a new survey by NORC at the University of Chicago revealed that nearly half of American adults aren’t even planning on getting immunized at all.
What are their reasons for opting to skip the vaccine?
Skipping The Flu Vaccine
As of mid-November, 43 percent of adults are already immunized against the flu, while 14 percent have not yet been vaccinated but intend to do so in the coming days. However, 41 percent of adults reported that they have not yet been vaccinated and that they have no intentions of getting vaccinated either.
“Unfortunately, over half of all adults are currently unvaccinated, with 4 in 10 not intending to get vaccinated, placing themselves and those around them at risk,” said Caroline Pearson of the NORC at University of Chicago, also stating that widespread vaccination doesn't just help the individual but protects those who cannot get vaccinated through herd immunity.
Doubts About The Flu Vaccine
Evidently, some of the main reasons why they do not want to get vaccinated include concerns over the side effects or the actual efficacy of the flu vaccine, while others are merely not worried that they will catch the flu. Others, though a significantly smaller percentage, simply do not have time to get vaccinated, while others find the vaccine too expensive.
While the vaccine is not perfect, it greatly reduces the chances of getting the flu and lessens the severity should one get ill. Furthermore, the vaccine’s side effects are minor, and it does not cause the flu, as is believed by 31 percent of those who are not planning to get the flu vaccine.
As for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu vaccine recommendation stands for everyone over six months of age, apart from those with allergies or those with certain medical conditions. This includes even those who are deemed healthy, so as to protect the community, especially the most vulnerable.
