Why Are Elderly People Hesitant to Get the Flu Vaccine?
each year, the flu poses a significant threat to public health, particularly for the elderly. Despite being one of the most vulnerable groups, many older adults choose not to get vaccinated. According to a France Public Health Report published on January 28, 2025, only 65% of individuals aged 65-85 were vaccinated against the flu in 2021, falling short of the 75% target. This hesitancy has serious consequences, as the elderly account for approximately 90% of flu-related deaths annually.
Who Is Getting Vaccinated?
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Public Health France conducted a survey of over 7,300 French citizens aged 65-85 during the 2020-2021 flu season to understand vaccination trends. The findings revealed that certain groups were more likely to get vaccinated:
- Older individuals (73% among those over 75, compared to 55% among 65-70-year-olds).
- Men (68% vs. 63% of women).
- Those with higher education or income levels.
- People living in urban areas or with chronic illnesses, who are at greater risk of complications.
Why Are Some Elderly People Avoiding the Vaccine?
The survey also highlighted the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy:
- Perceived Uselessness: 41% of unvaccinated individuals believed the vaccine was ineffective.
- Fear of Side Effects: 13% were concerned about adverse reactions.
- Reliance on Homeopathy: Surprisingly, 5% of unvaccinated respondents turned to homeopathy, despite no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in preventing or treating the flu.
In 2016, the national drug safety agency emphasized that “no homeopathic drug can be considered as a vaccine against flu” and warned that using it rather of the flu vaccine “constitutes a loss of chance, particularly in people at risk of complications.”
The Urgency of Vaccination
The flu remains a deadly threat, causing around 10,000 deaths annually in France. The 2024-2025 flu season is predicted to be one of the most severe in recent years, underscoring the need for increased vaccination efforts. Public health authorities must continue to communicate the importance of vaccination, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly.
| Key Statistics | Details |
|———————|————-|
| Vaccination Coverage (2021) | 65% of 65-85-year-olds |
| Target Coverage | 75% |
| Flu-Related Deaths (Elderly) | ~90% of total deaths |
| Common Reasons for Hesitancy | Perceived uselessness (41%), fear of side effects (13%), reliance on homeopathy (5%) |
The fight against flu-related deaths begins with awareness and action. If you or a loved one is over 65, consider getting vaccinated this flu season—it could save a life.
Understanding Flu Vaccine Hesitancy Among teh Elderly: A Conversation with Dr.Marie Lefevre
Every year, the flu poses a meaningful threat to public health, particularly for the elderly. Despite being one of the most vulnerable groups,many older adults choose not to get vaccinated. To shed light on this critical issue, we sat down with Dr. Marie Lefevre,a leading expert in geriatric medicine and public health,to discuss the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy and the urgent need for increased immunization efforts.
Who Is Getting Vaccinated?
senior Editor: Dr. Lefevre,a recent survey by Public Health France highlighted that certain groups of elderly individuals are more likely to get vaccinated.Can you elaborate on these trends?
Dr. Marie Lefevre: Absolutely. The survey found that older individuals, particularly those over 75, are more likely to get vaccinated compared to younger seniors aged 65-70. Men are also slightly more likely to get vaccinated than women.Additionally, individuals with higher education or income levels, as well as those living in urban areas or with chronic illnesses, are more likely to receive the flu vaccine. These trends suggest that awareness and access play a significant role in vaccination rates.
Why Are Some Elderly people Avoiding the Vaccine?
Senior Editor: the survey also revealed several reasons behind vaccine hesitancy.Could you discuss the primary concerns?
Dr. Marie lefevre: Certainly. The most common reason cited was the perceived uselessness of the vaccine, with 41% of unvaccinated individuals believing it was ineffective. Another concern was the fear of side effects, which deterred 13% of respondents. Surprisingly, 5% of unvaccinated individuals turned to homeopathy, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in preventing or treating the flu. It’s crucial to note that in 2016, the national drug safety agency explicitly stated that no homeopathic drug can be considered a vaccine against the flu and warned that relying on it constitutes a loss of chance, especially for those at risk of complications.
The urgency of Vaccination
Senior Editor: Given the severity of the flu, particularly for the elderly, how critical is it to address this hesitancy?
Dr. Marie Lefevre: It’s absolutely critical. The flu remains a deadly threat, causing around 10,000 deaths annually in France, with the elderly accounting for approximately 90% of these deaths. The 2024-2025 flu season is predicted to be one of the most severe in recent years, underscoring the need for increased vaccination efforts. Public health authorities must continue to communicate the importance of vaccination, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly.Awareness and education are key to overcoming hesitancy and ensuring that more people get vaccinated.
Key Takeaways
Senior Editor: To summarize, what are the main points our readers should take away from this discussion?
Dr.Marie Lefevre: First, it’s essential to recognize that the flu is a serious and potentially deadly illness, particularly for the elderly. Second, while certain groups are more likely to get vaccinated, there are significant barriers to immunization, including misconceptions about the vaccine’s effectiveness and fears about side effects. Third, relying on unproven methods like homeopathy can be risky and should be avoided. increasing vaccination rates among the elderly is crucial to reducing flu-related deaths and protecting public health. If you or a loved one is over 65, I strongly encourage you to get vaccinated this flu season—it could save a life.
Interview conducted by the Senior Editor of world-today-news.com.
