United States: As flu season comes near and COVD-19 cases persist in some areas of the United States, many people are still reluctant to get vaccinated.
As found in a new poll by Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, this year, only less than half of the US citizens would get their COVID or flu shots this season.
According to Dr. Nora Colburn, an infectious disease doctor with Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, these findings are “very concerning,” as CBS News reported.
She added, “We really need a large majority of our population to get vaccinated to protect our entire community.”
Vaccine stats of the country
The national poll of more than 1,000 people discovered that over a third — 37 percent – have taken vaccines in the past but have no intention of doing it this year.
As mentioned by Colburn, one must get vaccines as it is an important measure to safeguard oneself and other people. New COVID-19 vaccines and the flu vaccines for this year are currently available.
As she added, “It also protects you from complications of both infections,” CBS News reported.
“We know that people who get influenza and COVID can have increased risk of bacterial infections, as well as cardiovascular events, like heart attacks and strokes,” she said.
According to the survey, adults aged 65 and above are the most likely to take flu shots of the recommended vaccines.
Coulbur laid emphasis that “They’re the most risk of getting severe disease. And we see that the vaccine really protects them from severe disease, hospitalization, and even death.”
Some of the other people considered vulnerable during respiratory virus season include individuals with chronic diseases and pregnant women.