Most Adults Trust Vaccines, but Fewer Than Half Tried to Get One Last Year

Most American adults believe in the power of vaccines, but far fewer are acting on that belief. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) 2026 National Survey on Respiratory Diseases, 3 out of 4 U.S. adults agree that vaccines are among the best and most proven ways to protect against serious infectious diseases. Yet less than half reported trying to get at least one of four respiratory vaccines (influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] or pneumococcal) in the past 12 months.

To help close that gap, the NFID launched Tame It, a resource that brings together evidence-based information on respiratory disease prevention organized by life stage and health need. The Educated Patient spoke with Robert H. Hopkins Jr., M.D., medical director of the NFID, about why recommendations feel so confusing, who is most at risk of missing out on protection and what questions patients should bring to their next appointment as respiratory virus season gets underway.

Your survey found that 77% of adults see vaccines as one of the best ways to prevent serious illness, yet only 48% tried to get a respiratory vaccine in the past year. What do you think explains that gap between belief and action?

Robert Hopkins Jr., M.D.: I think the survey shows that people recognize the value of vaccines, but that doesn’t always translate into knowing what to do next. Many adults understand that vaccines can help protect against serious illness, but they aren’t necessarily sure which vaccines are recommended for them, when they should get them or where to turn for reliable guidance.
We see that uncertainty in the survey findings. Nearly half of adults were unsure whether COVID-19 vaccination was recommended for someone like them, and more than a quarter were unsure about flu vaccination. That uncertainty can make it harder for people to take the next step, even when they believe in the benefits of vaccination.

We also know that practical barriers can get in the way. Some people encounter challenges accessing a vaccine or obtaining clear answers about their eligibility. The encouraging news is that health care professionals remain a trusted source of information. We have an opportunity to close this gap by making recommendations easier to understand, helping people connect those recommendations to their individual health needs and making vaccination as convenient as possible.

Many people say they're unsure which respiratory vaccines are recommended for them. What's making the guidance on flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal vaccines feel so confusing for patients right now?

RH: Each of these vaccines has its own recommendations, and those recommendations can vary based on age, underlying health conditions, pregnancy status and vaccination history. Flu vaccination is recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older, while recommendations for COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal vaccination depend on additional factors.

For patients, it can be difficult to keep track of those differences, particularly when recommendations evolve as new evidence becomes available. People may also encounter conflicting or incomplete information online, making it harder to distinguish general information from guidance that applies to their own circumstances.

The key is to make the information more practical and actionable. Patients shouldn't have to piece together recommendations from multiple sources or guess which ones apply to them. They need clear, evidence-based information and an opportunity to discuss their individual needs with a trusted health care professional. That is exactly the kind of gap NFID and our partners are working to address through Tame It.

Who is most likely to fall through the cracks, such as older adults, people with chronic conditions, pregnant people or caregivers, and which vaccines might they be missing?

RH: Anyone who is unsure about their vaccine needs can miss an opportunity for protection, but it is especially important to reach people who are at increased risk for severe respiratory illness. That includes older adults, people with certain chronic health conditions and people with weakened immune systems. Pregnant people and families caring for infants also need to understand which preventive measures are appropriate for them and their loved ones.

For example, an older adult may not realize they are eligible for RSV vaccination or may be overdue for pneumococcal vaccination. Someone living with a chronic condition may not recognize that their underlying health needs make it especially important to discuss respiratory disease prevention with their health care professional. Pregnant people may have questions about flu, COVID-19 and RSV protection, including how maternal vaccination can help protect a newborn.

Caregivers can also play an important role in helping family members stay up to date, but they may be juggling multiple health needs and competing priorities. The important thing is not to assume that a person knows which vaccines they need simply because they have received vaccines in the past.

We encourage people to review their vaccination history and ask their health care professional which vaccines are appropriate for them now. Recommendations vary, so a conversation tailored to each person's age, health, pregnancy status and prior vaccinations is essential.

How does Tame It help someone figure out which vaccines apply to them and their family, and what can a patient expect when they visit TameIt.org?

RH: Tame It was developed to make trusted information about respiratory disease prevention easier to find, understand and use. It brings together evidence-based resources on flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal disease, with information organized around different life stages and health needs.

When someone visits TameIt.org, they can explore resources relevant to children, adults of different ages, pregnant people and those at higher risk for serious illness. They can learn why these diseases matter, how vaccination can help reduce the risk of severe illness and what factors influence vaccine recommendations. The site also offers practical resources to help people prepare for conversations with their health care professionals.

Importantly, Tame It is designed to complement, not replace, personalized medical advice. It can help people become better informed and identify questions they want to ask, while their health care professional can help confirm which vaccines are appropriate based on their individual circumstances and vaccination history.

Our goal is to make it easier for people to move from recognizing the value of vaccination to taking action to protect themselves and their families.

Since about 6 in 10 adults trust their health care professionals for vaccine information, what questions should patients bring to their next appointment to make sure they're up to date heading into respiratory virus season?

RH: I encourage patients to be proactive and make vaccine prevention part of their next health care conversation. A few simple questions can help them understand their needs and make a plan.

First, ask: “Which vaccines are recommended for me this season, based on my age, health conditions and vaccination history?” Patients should specifically ask about flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal vaccination rather than assuming every recommendation applies to everyone in the same way.

Second, ask: “Am I due for any vaccines, or have I missed a dose that I should catch up on?” It's helpful to review your vaccination records, especially if you've received vaccines at different pharmacies or health care facilities.

Third, ask: “Are there particular respiratory illnesses that put me at greater risk because of my health conditions or medications?” This is especially important for older adults and people living with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems.

Pregnant people can ask which vaccines are recommended during pregnancy and how vaccination can help protect their babies. Caregivers should also ask whether the children or other family members in their care are up to date on recommended protection.

Finally, ask where you can get the vaccines you need, whether they can be given during the same visit, and what costs or insurance coverage to expect. A little preparation can make these conversations more productive and help patients leave with a clear plan.

The bottom line is that people don't need to navigate vaccine recommendations alone. Their health care professionals are an important resource, and TameIt.org can help them prepare for those conversations. As respiratory virus season gets underway, knowing what protection is recommended for you and taking that next step can make a meaningful difference.