A new survey conducted by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) reveals that while 77% of American adults support vaccines, there is widespread uncertainty about which specific vaccines they need. The survey, which is conducted annually, focused on vaccines for respiratory conditions including flu, RSV, pneumococcal disease, and Covid-19.
The results show a stark disconnect: although 77% of adults hold positive views about vaccines, only 48% made an effort to get vaccinated for at least one of these four vaccine-preventable illnesses in the past year. This low uptake means many miss out on the benefits of vaccination, such as protection against disease, reduced risk of serious complications, fewer hospitalizations, and less severe illness among those who do get infected.
Speaking during the release of the survey findings, NFID Medical Director Robert Hopkins, Jr. decried the lost opportunity to protect families and loved ones if fewer people get vaccinated regularly. The survey suggests that the foundation exists for providing clarity: about 60% of respondents said they trusted or had a lot of trust in healthcare professionals regarding their health. This trust presents an opportunity for the medical community to offer uniform vaccine guidance so people know which vaccines they need and how often to get them.
The survey also uncovered gaps in vaccine accessibility. 22% of participants reported encountering a challenge when seeking respiratory vaccines, such as the vaccine not being available or long wait times at medical facilities. Addressing these barriers could improve vaccine uptake, and every increase in vaccination translates into measurable public health benefits, including reducing the economic toll of infectious diseases.
Parallel efforts by companies like Co-Diagnostics Inc. (NASDAQ: CODX) to develop accessible and affordable testing kits for home and non-hospital settings could help diagnose these diseases early and prevent progression to life-threatening levels. Such innovations complement vaccination efforts by enabling timely detection and treatment.
The findings underscore the need for policymakers and healthcare professionals to close the knowledge and access gaps so that vaccine uptake aligns with the positive views Americans hold. As the survey shows, trust in healthcare providers is high, and leveraging that trust to provide clear, consistent recommendations could significantly boost vaccination rates and reduce the burden of respiratory diseases.
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