Only Two-Thirds of Parents Planning to Get Flu Shots for Their Children

MONDAY, Sept. 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — One-third of parents say they will forgo the flu vaccination for their children this year, despite public health recommendations, according to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.

The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health is conducted by the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. This survey, conducted in August, had 1,992 responses from parents of children ages 2 to 18 years.

The results of the poll showed that two-thirds of parents intend to have their children receive the flu vaccine this year (49 percent very likely and 19 percent likely). Previous flu vaccine receipt is tied to current intentions, with nearly all parents whose children received a flu vaccine last year (96 percent) intending to have their children get the vaccine this year. However, among parents whose children did not get the flu vaccine last year, only 28 percent say their child is likely to get a flu vaccine this year. Similarly, despite public health recommendations, only one in three parents believe it is more important for their children to get the flu vaccine this year compared with previous years.

“Our report finds that even during the pandemic, some parents don’t see the flu vaccine as more urgent or necessary,” Mott Poll Codirector Sarah Clark said in a statement. “This heightens concerns about how the onset of flu season may compound challenges in managing COVID-19.”

More Information