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FRIDAY, Oct. 15, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Experts are warning that the upcoming flu season could be severe as social distancing measures are relaxed across the United States, but a new survey shows that six in 10 Americans may delay or skip a flu shot, according to a poll from the American Heart Association (AHA).<\/p>\n
However, the survey also revealed that 98 percent of those who got a flu shot last season do plan to get one again this year. <\/p>\n
While 82 percent of the 1,000 adult participants of the online survey said they are thinking more about their health due to COVID-19, only 26 percent said COVID-19 makes them more likely to get a flu shot this year. Hispanics were more likely to say COVID-19 had an impact on their flu shot decision (57 percent) compared with non-Hispanics (38 percent).<\/p>\n
“If there has ever been a year to prioritize getting your flu shot at the beginning of the season, this is it,” AHA President Donald Lloyd-Jones, M.D., said in an association news release. “We recommend the flu shot for essentially everyone and particularly people who might be vulnerable because they have chronic health conditions — things like diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity — as well as people who are likely to be extra-exposed, like health care workers and people who are working in an essential front-line job where they come into contact with a lot of different people,” Lloyd-Jones said.<\/p>\n
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting a flu shot by Oct. 31 for the best seasonal protection and recommends the influenza vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older, with a few exceptions.<\/p>\n