NFID Survey Reveals Gap Between Vaccine Support and Uptake

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) has released new survey findings that highlight a significant gap between the support for vaccines and the actual uptake of respiratory vaccines among US adults. According to the survey, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, more than half of US adults did not try to get a flu, COVID-19, RSV, or pneumococcal vaccine in the past year. The findings underscore the need for clear, consistent, and evidence-based guidance on respiratory disease prevention.

The survey, released at NFID's 2026 Annual Respiratory Season Kick-Off in Washington, DC, revealed that while 77% of US adults believe vaccines are among the best and most proven ways to protect against serious infectious diseases, only 48% tried to get at least one of the four respiratory vaccines in the past year. This gap is not due to vaccine hesitancy but rather a lack of clarity on which vaccines are recommended for them.

Leading health experts, including representatives from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), and Families Fighting Flu, emphasized the importance of discussing vaccine recommendations with a healthcare professional. They highlighted that everyone age 6 months and older, including pregnant women, should get an annual flu vaccine. The experts also reviewed updated recommendations for COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal vaccinations, particularly for those at higher risk, such as older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions.

NFID has launched the National Respiratory Communications Initiative (NRCI) to address this gap. The initiative aims to provide clear, consistent, and accessible guidance on respiratory disease prevention. The NRCI website, www.TameIt.org, offers resources for families and healthcare professionals, including original one-pagers, social content, and partner resources that illustrate the importance of immunization in preventing severe disease outcomes.

The survey also found that while Americans recognize the value of vaccines, many underestimate the toll of respiratory diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated approximately 710,000 flu-related hospitalizations during the 2024-2025 season, but only 11% of adults surveyed selected a range close to that figure, with half putting the number below 400,000.

Access barriers can also have a lasting impact. While most vaccination attempts went smoothly, 22% of people who tried to get at least one respiratory vaccine encountered problems, with those seeking pneumococcal or RSV vaccinations facing the highest rates of issues.

NFID's Medical Director, Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, stressed the importance of talking with a trusted healthcare professional to determine which vaccines are right for individuals and their families.