Flu shot outpaces updated COVID-19 vaccine among U.S. adults, Pew survey finds

Flu Shot Leads, COVID-19 Booster Lags in 2024–25 Season

A new Pew Research Center survey finds that more U.S. adults have received the updated flu shot (42%) than the updated COVID-19 vaccine (27%) since they became available last summer. Despite ongoing public health recommendations, a majority of Americans (53%) have gotten neither shot, highlighting growing vaccine fatigue and political polarization.

Vaccine Uptake Snapshot

The current flu season has brought high hospitalization and death rates, while COVID-19 continues to cause illness, particularly among high-risk populations like seniors. Still, public urgency around COVID-19 vaccination has declined substantially compared to earlier stages of the pandemic.

CDC: Both Shots Still Crucial for Protection

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to urge Americans—especially those 65 and older—to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to help prevent severe illness and death.

“Getting both vaccines is especially important for seniors and those with chronic health conditions,” the CDC advises.

Partisan Divide Drives Vaccine Behavior

Political affiliation remains one of the strongest predictors of vaccine uptake:

Democrats are consistently more than twice as likely as Republicans to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine, and significantly more likely to get the flu shot as well.

Age and Partisanship Combine for Larger Gaps

Even among seniors—those most vulnerable to flu and COVID complications—the partisan gap is stark:

The 46-point difference in COVID-19 vaccine uptake among seniors is a dramatic sign of how partisanship influences public health decisions, even among those at highest risk.

COVID-19 Booster Uptake Flat Since 2023

The share of U.S. adults who’ve gotten the updated COVID-19 vaccine (27%) is nearly identical to last year’s figure (28%). This continues a multi-year downward trend:

Fewer Americans today view COVID-19 as a major health threat, which may explain the stagnating vaccination rates.

Key Takeaways

• Flu shot uptake (42%) exceeds that of the updated COVID-19 booster (27%)
• 53% of adults have received neither vaccine since August 2024
• Democrats are more likely than Republicans to get both vaccines, especially among seniors
• COVID booster uptake remains flat, despite CDC recommendations and persistent risks

Why It Matters

As flu and COVID-19 continue to circulate and mutate, vaccine coverage plays a critical role in reducing strain on hospitals and protecting vulnerable groups. The Pew data reveals that public trust, partisanship, and shifting perceptions of risk continue to shape health decisions in the post-pandemic era.

📌 Tip: If you’re over 65 or have a chronic condition, the CDC recommends getting both the flu shot and the updated COVID-19 vaccine for maximum protection.

Stay updated with the latest guidance at cdc.gov.

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