Key Takeaways:
– Less than 20% of U.S. adults have received a COVID-19 vaccine.
– Just over a third (34.7%) of American adults have been vaccinated against influenza.
– Rates of vaccination for both diseases vary across states and territories.
– An alarming 60% of Americans are unlikely to get updated vaccines this year.
Low Vaccination Rates Raise Concerns
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that only 17.9% of American adults are vaccinated against COVID-19. Furthermore, just 34.7% have received an influenza vaccine during the 2024-25 respiratory disease season. These startlingly low figures have raised concerns about public health as winter approaches, traditionally a time when respiratory diseases are at their peak.
Willingness to Get Vaccinated
The CDC report notes a concerning reluctance towards vaccination among the adult U.S. population. Only 35% of adults are open to getting the influenza vaccine, while a slightly higher number, 41%, are willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, 40% are receptive to obtaining an RSV vaccine.
Varying Vaccination Rates Across the U.S.
The study also identified significant variances in vaccination rates across the country. Puerto Rico reported the lowest levels of vaccination against influenza and COVID-19, with only 5.2% of those surveyed having received a COVID-19 vaccine this season. In contrast, states like Maryland and Vermont reported much higher vaccination rates. Maryland stood out with a high influenza vaccination rate of 50.5%, while Vermont led in COVID-19 vaccination rates with 33.9%.
Impact of Insurance on Vaccination Rates
The lack of insurance appears to influence people’s willingness to get vaccinated. The survey found uninsured individuals are less likely than the general population to receive either influenza or COVID-19 vaccines.
Americans Unlikely to Update Vaccines
Heading into the winter season, the outlook remains bleak. A Pew Research Center survey found that 60% of Americans are unlikely to update their vaccines this year. Furthermore, fewer than 25% of Americans plan to get a COVID-19 booster shot, while only 15% have already been immunized with the booster.
The Dangers of Low Vaccination Rate
The CDC emphasizes the critical importance of vaccination, particularly in the face of yearly statistics on influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths. Annually, between 100,000 and 710,000 hospitalizations and 49,000 – 51,000 deaths are attributed to the flu. COVID-19 has also taken a toll, especially among unvaccinated individuals.
Authorities Urge Vaccination
CDC officials particularly urge adults aged 65 or older and those who have never been vaccinated to get the COVID-19 shot. The agency recommends that everyone aged six months and older should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the virus.
Conclusion
Given these statistics, it’s clear that the state of public health in the U.S. could face a serious strain if vaccination rates do not increase. It’s crucial that extensive efforts are made to overcome vaccine hesitancy and ensure widespread immunization, particularly with the threat of both influenza and COVID-19 looming this winter.