CDC: More Americans opt for flu shots over latest COVID vaccinations – Spectrum News

Between the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, theres a lot of sickness going around. Thats why health experts ask people to stay up to date on their vaccines.

Anne Meiswinkel has received six COVID-19 vaccinations since 2021.

Cause it keeps changing, and I think it's important, especially for us seniors, Meiswinkel said.

She also gets her flu shot each year.

I never had the flu before, and I know people that have it. You're like usually down and out for a good week, Meiswinkel said.

But not everyone chooses to get the same vaccines.

Kelly Webber stopped receiving COVID-19 vaccines after getting her initial two and one booster. She said this is because of what happened after.

I was really down and out for a few days with the boosters and the COVID shot. They make me very sick, so I decided not to do it, Webber said.

However, she does get her yearly flu vaccine.

My doctor always recommended it, Webber said. I have elderly parents. My mom's in a nursing home.

Webber seems to be in the majority when it comes to recent national vaccine trends.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 11% of children, 21% of adults and 41% of seniors said theyre up to date on getting the latest COVID vaccine. But it's very different for the influenza vaccine. Nearly half of surveyed children and adults got their shots, and more than 70% of seniors have received theirs.

Dr. Neal Smoller, a holistic pharmacist, said he believes the reasons less people are getting COVID vaccines vary. One of those is misinformation from sources who arent health experts.

It's been very difficult to watch all of the other social stuff unfold, and it makes it really challenging because we have answers to stop the spread of this, Smoller said.

Smoller owns and runs Village Apothecary in Woodstock. He said hes seen people prefer the convenience of getting all their shots at once for COVID and the flu.

Practitioners aren't out here just trying to push vaccines. We want people to be protected. We want people to be safe, and we want people to do what's medically indicated. So, for some people that's a stronger recommendation than others, Smoller said.

Meiswinkel said she and her husband plan to continue to stay current on their shots.

Neither one of us are compromised, but just due to the age, I think it's important, Meiswinkel said.

As for Webber, she says cons of the side effects outweigh the benefits of the COVID-19 booster for her, but shell continue to get her regular flu shot.

The CDC suggests everyone six months and older gets their seasonal flu vaccine and stays up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

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CDC: More Americans opt for flu shots over latest COVID vaccinations - Spectrum News