Survey Indicates Flu Shot Demand Increased 100% 

According to a survey commissioned by CVS Health in July 2020, and conducted among a general population of U.S. consumers, the impact of COVID-19 is significantly influencing individuals' likelihood to get a flu shot this season. 

This survey’s results announced on August 25, 2020, indicate that consumers' intention to get vaccinated has been increasing month over month, with 66 percent of those surveyed in July saying they definitely or likely will get a flu shot this season.

This compares to just 34 percent of those surveyed in January 2020. 

In addition, 54 percent of consumers surveyed indicated that they plan to get their immunization earlier than 2019.

This is good news since the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals make plans to get vaccinated early in the fall before flu season begins, and ideally no later than the end of October.

Most people over 6 months of age are encouraged by the CDC to get vaccinated every flu season since influenza infections can create severe consequences. The U.S. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has made this recommendation since the 2010-11 influenza season.

Unfortunately, during the 2019-2020 flu season, about 186 pediatric influenza-related fatalities have been confirmed by the CDC. 

"We know our patients and customers are doing everything they can to keep their families as healthy as possible while minimizing potential exposure to the flu and COVID-19," said Jon Roberts, Chief Operating Officer, CVS Health, in a press statement. 

"Because it can take two weeks for the vaccine to build immunity, we encourage all of our patients to get their shot in September or early October, before flu season peaks."

There are various flu shots authorized for the 2020-2021 flu season in the Northern Hemisphere. The CDC does not endorse any specific vaccine.

Most importantly, influenza vaccines do not cause the seasonal flu since they are made with either killed or weakened viruses, says the CDC.

Influenza vaccination news is published by PrecisionVaccinations.