WOONSOCKET, R.I. — A CVS/pharmacy survey shows that many adults don’t consider getting a flu shot a high priority.
The drug chain said Thursday that an online poll of 2,710 adults, conducted by Kantum Research, found that 51% don’t plan to get a flu vaccination this season.
The top reasons consumers cited for not getting a flu shot are concerns about potential side effects of a flu immunization and uncertainty about the effectiveness of flu shots.
"The benefits of receiving a flu shot far outweigh possible minor side effects," Papatya Tankut, vice president of pharmacy professional services at CVS/pharmacy, said in a statement. "Influenza causes between 3,600 to 49,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. annually. Receiving a flu shot can reduce the chance of becoming infected by up to 70%."
Among respondents who got a flu shot last season, 35% cited convenience as their top reason in choosing a location to get vaccinated, and 67% of those who received a flu vaccine at a CVS drug store said convenience was their top reason for going there.
Health insurance also is a key factor in consumers’ decision to get a flu shot. In the CVS/pharmacy poll, 72% of respondents said the ability to use insurance coverage for their flu shot was one of their top three factors in deciding to get vaccinated, and 44% said health insurance was their top factor.
