Vaccination rates for flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among U.S. adults remain alarmingly low this season, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of November 9, only 35% of adults had received the updated flu vaccine, while a mere 18% had taken the new COVID-19 shot. Encouragingly, the CDC notes that a significant portion of unvaccinated individuals expressed intentions to get vaccinated, emphasizing that it’s not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones.

In context, flu vaccination rates as of October mirror last year’s figures, with nearly 44% of Americans having received a flu shot by the close of 2023. COVID-19 vaccination rates also remain consistent with November 2023 data, hovering around 15%. The CDC strongly advises flu and COVID-19 vaccines for all individuals aged six months and older to curb the impact of these illnesses.

The report arrives amidst a growing climate of vaccine hesitancy in the U.S., compounded by a controversial development in public health leadership. President-elect Donald Trump’s recent nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal opponent of vaccines, as Secretary of Health and Human Services has sparked concern among pediatricians and public health experts. Critics warn that Kennedy’s influence could exacerbate parental vaccine refusal, heightening the risk of preventable outbreaks.

Vulnerable Populations at Greater Risk

The CDC warns that flu, COVID-19, and RSV pose heightened risks for individuals aged 65 and older, those with chronic medical conditions, and young children. Influenza alone claimed the lives of over 200 children during the 2023–2024 flu season, with 80% of these pediatric deaths occurring in unvaccinated children. Meanwhile, nursing homes report particularly low vaccination coverage. As of November 10, only 30% of residents had received the new COVID-19 vaccine, and just 18% had opted for the RSV vaccine. Flu vaccination rates among nursing home residents also dipped below last year’s figures, with only 58% reporting immunization.

“Nursing home leadership and staff can play a critical role in addressing these gaps,” the CDC advised, urging greater dialogue with residents and their families about the safety and benefits of vaccines.

A Silver Lining: Progress in RSV Vaccination

One bright spot in the CDC’s findings is the increase in RSV vaccinations among older adults. Since the approval of the first RSV vaccine in 2023, uptake among nursing home residents has risen from under 7% last year to nearly 18% this year. Among individuals aged 75 and older, RSV vaccination rates climbed from 30% in June to almost 40% by November, with similar growth observed in the 60–74 age group.

Unlike annual flu and COVID-19 shots, the RSV vaccine is a single-dose immunization, recommended for individuals aged 60 and older at high risk of severe illness. To protect infants, the CDC also recommends either vaccinating pregnant mothers or administering antibody treatments to newborns.

Moving Forward

These vaccination trends underscore the urgent need for public health initiatives aimed at overcoming barriers to vaccine access and combating misinformation. With flu, COVID-19, and RSV continuing to threaten vulnerable populations, the message is clear: vaccination remains one of the most effective tools to reduce the burden of these diseases.