Almost one in two people are planning a flu vaccination for this autumn and winter, only one third are considering a Covid-19 vaccination
02.10.2024 14:38
A recent survey by Pharma Deutschland shows how the population feels about vaccinations against influenza and COVID-19 in the coming fall/winter season: While 45.5 percent of respondents plan to get vaccinated against influenza, 46.7 percent do not plan to do so this season. Respondents aged 65 and over are particularly interested in receiving a flu vaccination. However, willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is lower: Only 27.8 percent of all respondents want to get vaccinated, while almost two-thirds are not.
While the general willingness to be vaccinated is somewhat higher among respondents in eastern Germany than in western Germany, fewer eastern Germans want to be vaccinated against COVID-19 than those in western Germany. "The survey results show that the flu vaccination is more widely accepted than the COVID-19 vaccination. This is a worrying development, as both viruses will circulate more frequently in the coming months," explains Dr. Elmar Kroth, Deputy Managing Director of Pharma Deutschland.
Positive understanding of vaccination among the population
Despite this nuanced willingness to vaccinate, 79.2 percent of the population rate the general benefits of vaccinations as positive, demonstrating that vaccinations are generally recognized as an important preventive measure. "It is encouraging that the majority of the population recognizes the value of vaccinations. Nevertheless, we must work to further strengthen trust in vaccines and comprehensively educate people about their benefits," emphasizes Dr. Kroth.
Pharmacies as a central contact point for vaccinations
Another aspect of the survey is awareness of flu vaccinations in pharmacies. More than half of respondents know that pharmacies offer flu vaccinations. Encouragingly, almost half can imagine getting vaccinated in a pharmacy. "Pharmacies play a central role in healthcare and can help make vaccinations more accessible to more people. The option of getting vaccinated directly in a pharmacy creates a convenient and trustworthy alternative for many people," explains Dr. Kroth. "Promoting this service will significantly increase the vaccination rate among the population in Germany and relieve the burden on the healthcare system in the long term."
Easements for a higher vaccination rate
Worryingly, 29.3 percent of respondents stated they never get a flu shot. "This figure shows that we still have a lot of educational work to do," commented Dr. Kroth. "Every vaccination counts and can prevent serious illnesses." To further increase willingness to vaccinate, respondents stated that reminders—for example, from health insurance companies or apps—as well as more vaccination options, such as pharmacies, mobile vaccination teams, or walk-in appointments, would make the decision to vaccinate easier. Combination vaccinations and incentives such as vouchers or discounts could also increase motivation to vaccinate.
background
The survey was commissioned by Pharma Deutschland and conducted from September 30, 2024, to October 1, 2024. A representative sample of the German population aged 18 and over was surveyed.
The results are available for download here.