42% of Adults 50+ Skipped Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations

A recent national survey reveals a concerning trend: vaccination rates for both influenza and COVID-19 are lagging among adults aged 50 and older. The data, collected from nearly 3,000 US adults between late December 2025 and mid-January 2026, highlights a potential vulnerability in protecting a demographic particularly susceptible to severe illness from these viruses.

Key Findings from the Survey

The University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 42% of individuals over 50 reported not receiving either a flu or COVID-19 vaccine in the past six months. Specifically, only 29% had received both vaccinations, and just 27% had received a flu shot during that period. Looking at COVID-19 vaccination since its availability in 2021, 49% of those over 50 stated it had been more than a year since their last dose, and 15% reported never having been vaccinated.

Did You Know? The survey team questioned 2,964 US adults age 50 and over about their vaccination status between late December 2025 and mid-January 2026.

Reasons for Declining Vaccination

The primary reason cited by those over 50 for not getting updated vaccines was a belief that they simply didn’t need them. This sentiment was expressed by 28% of those who skipped a flu vaccine in the last six months and 29% of those who hadn’t received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past year or at all. Concerns about potential side effects were the second most common reason, reported by 19% regarding the flu vaccine and 27% regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. A similar percentage – 18% and 19% respectively – doubted the vaccines’ effectiveness.

Fewer respondents indicated that they hadn’t considered vaccination (10% for flu and 6% for COVID-19), while a small percentage wanted to wait (4% and 3%) or cited logistical issues like time, cost, insurance, availability, or eligibility (ranging from 1% to 4%).

Expert Insight: The data suggests a critical need to reinforce the benefits of annual vaccination for older adults, emphasizing that while side effects are typically mild and short-lived, vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, even if infection occurs.

Age-Related Differences in Vaccination Rates

The survey also revealed disparities in vaccination rates based on age. Adults aged 75 and over – those at the highest risk of hospitalization and death from both influenza and COVID-19 – demonstrated the highest rates of updated vaccination. 46% of this age group had received a COVID-19 vaccine in the last six months, compared to 37% of those aged 65 to 74 and 20% of those aged 50 to 64. Flu vaccination rates followed a similar pattern, with 76% of those 75 and older having received the latest flu shot, compared to 64% of those 65 to 74 and 42% of those in their 50s and early 60s.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main reason people over 50 gave for not getting vaccinated?

The most common reason was that they didn’t think they needed the vaccines.

What percentage of people over 50 haven’t received either a flu or COVID-19 vaccine in the past six months?

Forty-two percent of people over 50 haven’t gotten either vaccine in the past six months.

Did vaccination rates vary by age group?

Yes, the oldest adults (75 and over) had the highest rates of updated vaccination for both flu and COVID-19.

As vaccination rates influence community health, continued monitoring of these trends is crucial. Public health campaigns focusing on the benefits of vaccination and addressing concerns about side effects could improve uptake in the coming seasons. Further declines in vaccination could lead to increased rates of severe illness and hospitalization among older adults. Alternatively, increased awareness and accessibility could lead to higher vaccination rates and better protection for this vulnerable population.