A recent survey conducted in the United States, involving over 1,000 participants, reveals that a substantial number of Americans intend to forgo additional COVID-19 vaccinations.
According to the survey by the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University, 37% of respondents who had previously received a COVID-19 vaccine indicated they do not plan to get another one. In contrast, 43% of participants said they had received a COVID-19 vaccine and plan to get the updated version.
Dr. Nora Colburn, the Medical Director of Clinical Epidemiology at the Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital in Ohio, emphasized, “We are entering the respiratory virus season with a triple threat from influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).” She assured that vaccinations remain highly safe and effective in preventing severe illness and death.
Colburn noted that older people, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable during the respiratory virus season.
Despite a rise in COVID-19 cases over the summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that cases are either declining or expected to decline in 31 states, while they are increasing in three states.
Doctors continue to encourage everyone, except children under six months old, to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine and recommend that both adults and children over six years old receive an annual flu shot.
