Why Aren't You Getting Your Seasonal Flu Shots?

With the unprecedented calls to get flu shots, you'd think more people would be getting vaccinated this year.

Apparently not — at least not when it comes to seasonal flu vaccine.

A new national survey by the Rand Corporation finds the same number of Americans stepped up to get seasonal flu shots this year as last. (That's about a third of all adults.)

The rate is a little bit higher among those especially urged to get seasonal flu shots — people over 50, those with chronic conditions, caregivers for young children. Health care workers? Also no more than usual.

 

The study doesn't say, but one factor has to be that no seasonal flu has shown up so far. The flu we've seen so far has been the new pandemic strain. (That vaccine is still dribbling out much slower than hoped.)

There has been a difference this season in when people get their shots, though. In September, the number of seasonal vaccine shots given was triple the average for that month. But then numbers plunged.

The Rand researchers did find that about 18 percent of adults still intend to get a seasonal flu shot. More than a quarter of them said they couldn't find vaccine when they tried earlier — even though a record number of doses has been shipped.

If you're skipping a seasonal flu shot this year... or had problems finding one, post your story below. We're interested.