This winter’s severe flu season continues to impact communities, compounded by a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases. However, a new poll reveals a concerning trend: vaccination rates against these viruses are lagging among adults aged 50 and over. Conducted by the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, the survey highlights significant reasons behind this hesitancy.
According to the poll, 42% of individuals over 50 have not received either the flu or COVID-19 vaccines in the past six months. In contrast, 29% have received both vaccines, while 27% have opted for just the updated flu shot. The survey further indicates that 49% of respondents over 50 have not had a COVID-19 vaccine dose in over a year, and 15% have never received one at all.
Reasons Behind Vaccine Hesitancy
The primary reason cited by older adults for not receiving updated vaccines is a belief that they are unnecessary. Specifically, 28% of those who skipped the flu vaccine and 29% who avoided the COVID-19 vaccine in the past year or ever, mentioned this as their main reason. This is despite evidence showing that staying current with vaccinations reduces the risk of severe illness and death, particularly for older adults whose immune systems benefit from regular “reminders.”
Concerns about side effects were the second most common reason, with 19% for the flu vaccine and 27% for the COVID-19 vaccine expressing this worry. Additionally, 18% and 19% respectively doubted the vaccines’ effectiveness. A smaller percentage (10% for flu and 6% for COVID-19) simply did not think about getting vaccinated, while others cited reasons such as waiting, cost, and eligibility concerns.
Expert Insights and Public Health Implications
The findings from this poll could guide healthcare providers and public health agencies in improving communication with older adults about the benefits of annual vaccinations and addressing prevalent concerns or misinformation. Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren, the poll’s director and an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School, emphasized the importance of individual impact in vaccine messaging.
“The evidence is clear: these viruses can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, and death. That risk increases with age and underlying health conditions, and vaccination reduces that risk,” said Dr. Kullgren.
Dr. Kullgren further noted that even when a vaccine is not a perfect match for circulating virus strains, a recent dose can still prepare the immune system to combat the virus, thereby reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.
Impact of Recent Policy Changes
Last spring, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated a change in its COVID-19 vaccination recommendations, affecting some adults aged 50 to 64 without chronic health conditions. However, the poll suggests this change had little impact on vaccination decisions among older adults. Less than 1% of respondents cited eligibility concerns as their main reason for not getting vaccinated.
Despite these changes, COVID-19 vaccination remains recommended for most older adults, with specific guidelines for those over 65 and individuals with compromised immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend annual flu vaccinations for everyone over six months old.
Disparities in Vaccination Uptake
The poll also highlights disparities in vaccination rates among different demographics. Older adults, particularly those aged 75 and over, show higher vaccination rates, with 46% having received a COVID-19 vaccine in the last six months. In contrast, only 37% of those aged 65 to 74 and 20% of those aged 50 to 64 reported the same.
Flu vaccination rates are higher across all age groups, with 76% of those aged 75 and over receiving the latest flu shot, compared to 64% of those aged 65 to 74 and 42% of those aged 50 to 64. Dr. Kullgren sees this gap as an opportunity to reinforce the importance of both vaccines.
“This gap between flu and COVID-19 vaccination represents an opportunity to connect the dots for older patients: both of these viruses can put them at risk, both of them mutate rapidly, and both vaccines should be an annual tradition,” he said.
Looking Ahead: Encouraging Vaccination
As the respiratory virus season continues, Dr. Kullgren emphasizes that it’s not too late for individuals to receive their flu or COVID-19 vaccines. For those over 65 or with compromised immune systems, a second COVID-19 vaccine dose is recommended six months after the first.
The poll, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, surveyed 2,964 U.S. adults aged 50 to 98. The data was collected online and via phone from December 29, 2025, to January 13, 2026, and weighted to reflect the national population.
These findings underscore the ongoing need for targeted public health strategies to increase vaccine uptake among older adults, addressing both logistical barriers and personal hesitancies.
