Only 45% of Americans age 50 and older say they’re likely to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine this season, according to a poll today from the University of Michigan.
The poll shows many at high risk of severe illness appear unlikely to seek the vaccine, and interest in an updated vaccine varies widely by age-group, education level, and other factors.
The results come from the National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted in August. At the time of polling, new COVID vaccines were not yet widely available, but they had been approved for use and endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Among adults 75 and older, 59% said they were likely to get the updated COVID-19 shot, with 49% of them saying they’re very likely and 10% saying they’re somewhat likely. Among adults 65 to 74, 51% said they were likely to get the vaccine.
Level of education plays a role
Among those aged 50 to 64, more said they were unlikely to get the new vaccine; 55% unlikely, compared with 37% likely.
In 2023, nearly half of all US COVID hospitalizations were among those ages 75 and older.
The poll showed demographic differences as well. Adults with a Bachelor’s degree were more likely to get vaccinated—54%, compared with 41% of those with lower levels of education. Overall, women were slightly more likely than men to say they would be vaccinated.
Our new poll data suggest that providers and healthcare organizations need to do more to encourage older adults to get vaccinated soon.
“Our new poll data suggest that providers and healthcare organizations need to do more to encourage older adults to get vaccinated soon, especially given the current wave of cases and the likelihood of another wave this winter,” said senior advisor to the poll Preeti Malani, MD, in a press release from the University of Michigan.
