Michigan Medicine poll reveals respiratory vaccine gaps in older adults

The University of Michigan's poll reveals that a significant portion of adults aged 50+ remain unvaccinated against flu and COVID-19, citing perceived lack of need and concerns about side effects. Older adults show higher vaccination rates, especially those over 75, highlighting the importance of targeted education to improve coverage. Michigan Medicine emphasizes that vaccines are still beneficial and accessible, urging better outreach to this demographic.

Erin Brady

Feb. 6, 2026

2 min read

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The University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging has revealed that many older adults are not getting flu and/or COVID-19 vaccines, according to a release.

Of the survey respondents ages 50 and older, 42% reported having received neither vaccine in the last 6 months. Unvaccinated participants cited not needing the vaccines as the main reason for not getting them. Other reasons were concerns about side effects and effectiveness. Additional key findings:

The oldest polled groups were more likely to have updated vaccines than the other groups (46% COVID-19, 76% flu in ages 75 and older).
Survey participants were more likely to have had a recent flu vaccine than a COVID-19 vaccine.
39% have never had a COVID-19 shot.
Those with a higher household income (over $60,000) were more likely to have had at least one COVID-19 vaccine in their lifetime.

Michigan Medicine calls for better vaccine education for older adults. The director of the poll, Jeffrey Kullgren, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., pointed out in a press release that you can still get both vaccines. Michigan Medicine pointed to information regarding the vaccines: “See the detailed adult vaccine schedule and the page about COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised people.”