Many adults over 40 decide to do this skip vaccinations despite their general concerns about viral infections, according to research just released by AARP.
Of all adults who had not received a flu shot, only 32% said they would get the shot even if their doctor recommended it.
Of those who did not get the pneumonia vaccine, only 49% would get it if their doctor recommended it.
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For the shingles vaccine, 56% of unvaccinated older adults would receive the vaccine on the advice of their doctor.
The study, conducted on behalf of AARP by Alan Newman Market Research Consultants (ANR), collected data from an online survey sent to 1,546 older US adults between October 3, 2022 and October 12, 2022.
Many adults in their 40s choose to skip vaccinations despite their general concerns about viral infections. (iStock)
It also found that less than half of unvaccinated older adults would receive vaccinations for pertussis, hepatitis, monkeypox, tetanus, smallpox and diphtheria when recommended by a health care provider.
Black adults showed a greater willingness to be vaccinated
The survey found that 46% of black adults over the age of 40 would get a flu shot if their doctor recommended it.
The percentage rose to 63% for pneumonia and 66% for shingles.
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More than half of unvaccinated black respondents would get vaccines for whooping cough, hepatitis, monkeypox, tetanus, smallpox and diphtheria if recommended by a healthcare provider, the study also found.
Many are afraid of getting sick from vaccinations
The survey found that the most common reason for not getting a flu vaccine among middle-aged and older adults was fear of getting sick from the vaccine, cited by 34% of respondents.
Another 29% of people simply said they didn’t think the vaccine was necessary.
Of those who do not plan to get the pneumonia vaccine, 26% said they do not need it and 25% are afraid of getting sick.
Among middle-aged and older adults, the most common reason for not getting the flu vaccine was fear of getting sick from the vaccine. (iStock)
Of those who don’t get the shingles vaccine, 27% said it isn’t necessary and 22% don’t think they would get the infection.
“I believe in natural healing and homeopathic treatments and trust my immune system to keep me healthy with the support of these treatments and I will not take any pharmaceutical medications,” said a 57-year-old woman cited in the AARP report.
“I trust my immune system to keep me healthy and I will not take any medication.”
However, vaccine reluctance among older adults does not mean they are not concerned about getting sick.
Fifty-eight percent of respondents said they were concerned about the flu, 53 percent were concerned about getting pneumonia, 49 percent were concerned about shingles, and 43 percent were concerned about monkeypox.
Fear of side effects, eroding trust are factors
dr Dung Trinh, an internal medicine specialist and owner and founder of the Healthy Brain Clinic in Long Beach, California, was not involved in the new study but outlined several key reasons patients refuse vaccines.
According to a new study, less than half of unvaccinated older adults would receive shots for whooping cough, hepatitis, monkeypox, tetanus, smallpox and diphtheria if recommended by a healthcare provider. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)
“Older adults may have concerns about side effects or side effects from the vaccine because of their age and health conditions,” he told Fox News Digital in an email.
“They may be more prone to developing complications like fever, muscle pain and dizziness after a vaccination,” he also said. “Also, they may have pre-existing medical conditions that can make them more susceptible to serious side effects.”
“Older adults may fear side effects or side effects from the vaccine.”
They may also feel they don’t need a vaccine because they’ve had it in the past or because they’ve been exposed to the virus and built up immunity, the doctor added.
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There are also logistical reasons, such as the difficulty of making an appointment for a vaccine.
“For some, public transit may not be an option and they may not have access to a reliable ride,” said Dr. Trinh. “You may also encounter difficulties due to language barriers or a lack of familiarity with the booking process.”
Financial worries and lack of health insurance could be another obstacle.
Older adults may have a lack of confidence in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and in the medical community in general. (iStock)
Older adults may be concerned not only about the cost of vaccines but also about associated doctor visits, said Dr. Trinh.
“It is important that these people know what resources are available to them and that adequate support is provided so that they can access the vaccine if they wish,” he also said.
“Reluctance to get vaccinated is largely due to distrust of the medical establishment.”
Finally, older adults may have a lack of confidence in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and in the medical community in general.
Older adults may be concerned not only about the cost of vaccines, but also about associated doctor visits. (iStock)
dr Marc Siegel, a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical associate, said he believes the reluctance to get vaccinated is largely due to distrust of the medical establishment by Latinos and other minorities, as well as confusing information is the purpose of vaccination.
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“The report states that in the African American community, the majority trust their doctors, which means there is a much greater need for doctors to take on that role and explain the risks and benefits,” he told Fox News Digital.
He was not involved in the new study.
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“Unfortunately, with COVID vaccines, the vast majority of vaccinations have been administered from central sites and pharmacies, not GPs, which has helped undermine confidence,” noted Dr. seal as well.
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