Older Americans are turning away from more vaccines, opting for “natural healing” instead, the report says.

Many adults aged 40 and over choose skip vaccine shots despite their shared concerns about viral infections, as shown in a study that the AARP has just published.

Among all adults not vaccinated against the flu, only 32% said they would get the flu shot even if their doctor recommended they do so.

Among those who didn’t get the pneumonia vaccine, only 49% would get it if a doctor recommended it.

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With regard to the shingles vaccine, 56% of unvaccinated older people would receive the vaccine on the advice of their doctor.

The study, conducted on behalf of the AARP by Alan Newman Market Research Consultants (ANR), collected data from an online survey sent to 1,546 US seniors between October and October 20. October 3, 2022 and Oct. 12, 2022.

Many adults aged 40 and over choose not to get vaccinated despite their general concerns about viral infections.

Many adults aged 40 and over choose not to get vaccinated despite their general concerns about viral infections. (iStock)

It also found that less than half of unvaccinated older people would receive pertussis, hepatitis, monkeypox, tetanus, smallpox, and diphtheria vaccines if recommended by a healthcare provider.

Black adults showed greater willingness to receive the vaccine

The survey found that 46% of black adults over 40 would get a flu shot if their doctor recommended it.

The proportion rose to 63% for pneumonia and 66% for herpes zoster.

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The study also found that more than half of unvaccinated black respondents would receive vaccines for whooping cough, hepatitis, monkeypox, tetanus, smallpox, and diphtheria if recommended by a health care provider.

Many are afraid of getting sick from vaccines

The survey showed that among middle and old ageThe most common reason for not getting a flu shot was fear of getting sick from the vaccine, which was reported by 34% of respondents.

Another 29% of people simply said they did not believe in the need for vaccination.

Among those who do not plan to get vaccinated against pneumonia, 26% said they do not need it, and 25% are afraid of getting sick.

Among middle-aged and older people, the most common reason for not getting vaccinated against influenza was the fear of getting sick from the vaccine.

Among middle-aged and older people, the most common reason for not getting vaccinated against influenza was the fear of getting sick from the vaccine. (iStock)

For those who didn’t get the shingles vaccine, 27% said they didn’t need it, and 22% didn’t think they would get it.

“I believe in natural healing and homeopathic treatments and believe that my immune system is supported by these therapies. will keep me healthyand I will not take pharmaceuticals,” said the 57-year-old woman cited in the AARP report.

“I believe my immune system will keep me healthy and I won’t take pharmaceuticals.”

However, the hesitation of older people about vaccination does not mean that they are not afraid of getting sick.

Fifty-eight percent of the respondents answered that they worried about the flu53% are concerned about pneumonia, 49% are concerned about shingles and 43% are concerned about monkeypox.

Fear of side effects, loss of confidence are factors

Dr. Dung Trin, internal medicine specialist, owner and founder of the Healthy Brain Clinic. in Long Beach, Californiawas not involved in the new study, but identified some of the main reasons patients refuse vaccines.

A new study has found that less than half of unvaccinated older people will receive vaccines for whooping cough, hepatitis, monkeypox, tetanus, smallpox and diphtheria if recommended by a health care provider.

A new study has found that less than half of unvaccinated older people will receive vaccines for whooping cough, hepatitis, monkeypox, tetanus, smallpox and diphtheria if recommended by a health care provider. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)

“Older people may be wary of side effects or adverse reactions to a vaccine due to their age and health condition,” he told Fox News Digital in an email.

“They may be more susceptible to developing complications such as fever, muscle pain and dizziness after vaccination,” he said. “In addition, they may have pre-existing medical conditions that can make them more vulnerable to serious side effects.”

“Older people may be afraid of side effects or adverse reactions from the vaccine.”

They may also feel they don’t need the vaccine because they have already received it in the past or because they have been exposed to the virus and have developed immunity, the doctor added.

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There are also logistical reasons, such as difficulty making appointments for vaccinations.

“For some, public transportation may not be acceptable and they may not have access to a reliable ride,” the doctor said. Trinh “They may also experience difficulties due to a language barrier or ignorance of the booking process.”

Another obstacle may be financial problems and lack of health insurance.

Older people may not trust the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and the medical community at large.

Older people may not trust the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and the medical community at large. (iStock)

Older adults may not only be concerned about the cost of vaccines, but also about any associated doctor visits. Trin said.

“It is important that these people know what resources are available to them and that they are given adequate support so that they can access a vaccine if they wish,” he said.

“Hesitancy about vaccination has a lot to do with distrust of the medical establishment.”

Finally, older people may lack confidence in the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and in the medical community at large.

Older adults may not only be concerned about the cost of vaccines, but also about any associated doctor visits.

Older adults may not only be concerned about the cost of vaccines, but also about any associated doctor visits. (iStock)

Dr. Mark Siegel, professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a medical officer at Fox News said he believes much of the hesitancy about vaccinations stems from distrust of the medical establishment among Hispanics and other minorities, as well as confusing information about the purpose of vaccinations.

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“The report says that in the African American community, the majority trust their doctors, which means there is a much greater need for doctors to fulfill this role and explain the risks and benefits,” he told Fox News Digital.

He did not participate in the new study.

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“Unfortunately, with COVID-19 vaccinationsthe vast majority of vaccinations were given at centralized locations and pharmacies rather than primary care physicians, which helped undermine confidence,” said Dr. Siegel.