In the United States, the majority of medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Hospital Association, strongly recommend the annual flu shot as part of essential preventive health care.
However, for some reason, only half of American adults get vaccinated each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During the 2022–2023 flu season—when health officials warned the nation of a potential “tripledemic” involving influenza, COVID-19, and RSV—no more than 55% of adults received a flu shot. However, during the 2023-2024 season, the severity of the influenza season was classified as moderate.
This gap in vaccination rates often leads to higher urgent care visits, increased hospitalization costs, and a strain on the public health system.
Why Some Americans Still Skip the Flu Shot
Among the main reasons people skip the flu vaccine is the unfounded fear that the shot could cause the flu. That’s an old myth. While some vaccines (like the chickenpox shot) use a weakened live virus to trigger an immune response, the influenza vaccine is an inactivated vaccine — meaning the viruses are already killed and cannot cause infection.
Even if you receive the nasal mist version, which includes extremely weakened live viruses, the CDC confirms that it cannot make you sick.
If you’re unsure which version is right for you, your primary care provider or telehealth consultation can guide you based on your health history and insurance coverage.
