Flu Findings: Survey Reveals Getting Flu Shot is 'Social Responsibility'

A new survey from CVS/pharmacy details findings about flu vaccinations.

A new survey from CVS/pharmacy released in August found that less than half of those surveyed (46 percent) were more likely to get a flu shot this year following last season's late flu outbreak. But many more - 59 percent - 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.

All CVS/pharmacy and most MinuteClinic locations are offering flu vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 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, CVSCaremark. "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 percent) 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.

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.

For customers 65 or older, CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer the FluzoneHigh-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.