Washington – September 24, 2026 -- More than half of US adults did not attempt to get a flu, COVID-19, RSV, or pneumococcal vaccine in the past year, even though 77% agree vaccines are among the best proven tools against serious infectious disease, according to a new national survey released by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).
Survey finds 48% of adults tried to get at least one of four respiratory vaccines in the past year
The survey, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago among 1,206 US adults age 18 and older between August 13-17, 2026, has a margin of sampling error of ±3.6 percentage points. Just 44% tried to get a flu vaccine and only 23% attempted a COVID-19 vaccine, despite 89% of respondents agreeing that anyone who wants vaccine access should have it and 71% saying benefits strongly outweigh risks.
Roughly 1 in 5 vaccine seekers encountered access problems, NFID reports
Among adults who tried to get vaccinated, 22% ran into a problem such as lack of availability or long wait times. The rate was highest for those seeking pneumococcal vaccination at 27% and RSV vaccination at 23%, pointing to friction at pharmacies and clinician offices where most people seek these shots.
Only 11% of adults correctly estimate flu hospitalization burden, CDC data shows
The CDC estimated approximately 710,000 flu-related hospitalizations during the 2024-2025 season, but half of surveyed adults put the figure below 400,000. Roughly 6 in 10 adults report high trust in doctors, nurses, and pharmacists as sources of vaccine information, more than any other channel.
NFID launches National Respiratory Communications Initiative with AIM, Immunize.org, Vaccinate Your Family
NFID unveiled the National Respiratory Communications Initiative (NRCI) at its 2026 Annual Respiratory Season Kick-Off in Washington, DC, uniting immunization, infectious disease, patient advocacy, and public health organizations to standardize guidance on flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal disease prevention. The initiative's new website, TameIt.org, provides one-pagers, social content, and partner resources for individuals, families, and healthcare professionals.
"Getting vaccinated can help protect against potentially serious respiratory diseases, preventing severe cases, hospitalizations, and deaths," said Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, NFID Medical Director.
AAFP, ACEP, and AHIP representatives urge patients to consult clinicians on eligibility
Margot Savoy, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer at the American Academy of Family Physicians, said vaccination protects babies, immunocompromised individuals, and medically frail older adults. Ryan A. Stanton, MD, President-Elect of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said many flu emergencies are preventable through vaccination. Kate Berry, MPP, Senior Vice President at America's Health Insurance Plans, said health plans remain committed to keeping vaccines affordable and accessible for members.
NFID Executive Director and CEO Rebecca Alvania, PhD, said fragmented public education efforts make it harder for trusted information to reach patients, prompting the collaboration with NRCI partners.