A new survey from market research firm Synovate has found that less than half of U.S. citizens got the flu vaccine during the last few months, a number falling far short of federal targets.
While younger people were markedly less likely to get the vaccine, the gap exists even among vulnerable older Americans age 65-plus. Research found that 80 percent of older Americans received a flu jab during this period, below the federal government's target of 90 percent.
Among those who had at least one dependent, 74 percent got a flu vaccine from a pediatrician's office. Those who didn't have dependents got vaccinated largely at their doctor's office (43 percent) or at work (23 percent).
Only 10 percent were vaccinated at a pharmacy, and 4 percent at a retail clinic, raising questions as to whether patients aren't motivated simply by convenience when they get the flu vaccine.
To learn more about this research:
- read this Synovate press release