More Images
Ron Saritzky, 70, wasted no time as he walked into the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Panorama City, CA, near Los Angeles. With a bright-blue table and “Be protected” banner greeting him, he headed straight for his flu and updated COVID vaccines.

Minutes later, a nurse had injected both into his left arm, just as he’d requested. “It’s super great,” Saritzky said, appreciating the convenience for walk-ins like him.

Outside, at another vaccination table near the weekly farmer’s market, another nurse offered Rafael Orellana, 49, a flu shot. He sat right down. “We need it,” he said, making it clear he never skips his flu vaccine.

Despite their enthusiasm, Saritzky and Orellana are in the minority. Surveys find that vaccine fatigue is rampant for both flu and COVID, with many delaying or skipping the shots. The latest trends bear that out: Only about 22% of adults have received a flu shot so far this year, while 12% have gotten the updated COVID vaccine, according to the CDC.

People say vaccinations are a good idea, but words don’t always translate to action. In a survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, two-thirds of people said getting a flu shot is a good idea, yet 45% didn’t plan to get it or were unsure. Just 26% planned to update their COVID vaccine as the CDC recommends. Head over to WebMD to read the full story.