Flu Vaccines: Who Should Get Them and How Should They Be Made Available in Times of Shortage?

NCERx recently surveyed people's opinions on influenza vaccinations. About 2500 responded to questions regarding their feelings on who should get vaccines and how vaccines should be made available during a shortage. Although 75 percent of respondents believed the flu shot to be effective, 64 percent had not received the flu shot last flu season.

 

 

Forty percent of respondents were not considered "high-risk." Yet, 64 percent expressed concerns about the availability of flu shots for them or someone close to them. Of those who were "high-risk," 77 percent were worried about possibly not receiving a vaccination. However, only 55 percent of the high-risk group got a flu shot last season. It is difficult to say whether the low incidence of vaccination is due to a low availability or to a recent discovery of belonging to the "high-risk" group. Nevertheless, the anxiety over flu shot shortages appears to be justified.

 

Eighty-seven percent of non-high-risk people didn't receive a flu vaccination this past flu season. However, 58 percent said they were concerned that the shortage of flu shots would prevent them from getting vaccinated. When asked if it is morally wrong for one who isn't "high-risk" to get a flu shot in times of shortage, 64 percent agreed to some level. Consequently, those not at high-risk tended to act morally by foregoing a shot during the shortage despite their concerns of contracting the flu.

 

 

Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that the government should take a more active role in making vaccinations available. While people were less enthusiastic about the idea of having each nation produce its own supply of flu shots, 84 percent believe that the government should make vaccinations available for all of its citizens who want them.

 

 

NCERx's survey found that shortages of flu shots create concern among most respondents, whether or not they are considered "high-risk." During shortages, people generally agree that those who are not "high-risk" should forego getting vaccinated and that the government should assume a more active role in getting vaccines to those who want them.