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Published On: Thu, Aug 15th, 2013

CVS/pharmacy survey shows that six out of 10 people consider getting the flu shot a ‘social responsibility’

A new survey from CVS/pharmacy released today found that less than half of those surveyed (46%) were more likely to get a flu shot this year following last season’s late flu outbreak. But many more – 59% – said they consider it a social responsibility to get the flu shot every year in order to keep their community healthy and minimize the spread of the influenza virus, according to a CVS press release today.

Fluzone vaccine Image/CDC

Fluzone vaccine
Image/CDC

Additional key findings from the survey include: More than 60% agree that they feel more susceptible to the flu virus when traveling, nearly two in five respondents agree that they are more likely to get a flu shot when flu outbreaks are reported in the news and more than half of those who have ever received a flu shot did so because they believe it keeps them healthy and safe.

The survey also indicated that 80 percent of respondents who have ever received a flu shot would recommend the high-dose flu vaccine to a friend or family member over the age of 65, knowing that it increases the immune system’s response for added protection against the flu virus.

All CVS/pharmacy and most MinuteClinic locations are offering flu vaccinations this week and all locations will have vaccine in stock by the end of August. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone who is at least 6 months old get a flu shot as soon the vaccine is available.

“It is important for people to get the flu shot annually because it is the most effective way to prevent the spread of influenza to others and your immunity from the virus declines over time,” said Papatya Tankut, RPh, Vice President of Pharmacy Affairs, CVS Caremark. “The results of our consumer survey demonstrate the heightened awareness among Americans to get vaccinated, and CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are two of the most convenient places to get a flu shot.”   

Convenience is a major driver in a consumer’s decision about where to receive a flu shot. Nearly half (47%) of the respondents agree that it is inconvenient to make an appointment for a flu shot.   This season, more than 7,500 CVS/pharmacy stores and 650 MinuteClinic sites inside select CVS locations will be providing flu shots every day, including evenings and weekends, no appointment needed.

In addition, CVS notes for customers 65 or older, CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer the Fluzone® High-Dose vaccine. The high dose vaccine contains four times the antigens as the seasonal flu vaccine in order to provide better protection for this age group, who are at greater risk of developing severe illness from the flu.

In addition to flu shots, CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants are available to provide a number of other vaccinations, including pneumonia and whooping cough, among others. Visit vaccines.cvs.com for more information on the vaccines offered. Certain immunizations have age and location restrictions.

This United States survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of CVS/pharmacy from June 18-20, 2013 among 2,084 adults, ages 18 and older. This survey is not based on a probability sample; therefore no assessment of theoretical sampling error can be made.

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About the Author

- Writer, Co-Founder and Executive Editor of The Global Dispatch. Robert has been covering news in the areas of health, world news and politics for a variety of online news sources. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the website, Outbreak News Today and hosts the podcast, Outbreak News Interviews on iTunes, Stitcher and Spotify Robert is politically Independent and a born again Christian Follow @bactiman63

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  1. The Flu as a Triple Threat | Shot of Prevention says:

    […] survey published earlier this week suggested that six out of 10 people consider getting the flu shot…and it’s encouraging to know that the majority of people recognize the impact their actions […]

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