Most Americans unaware of importance of flu shots

More than six out of 10 Americans do not know that adults 65 years and older need high-dose flu vaccines to prevent senior influenza, according to an online poll commissioned by CVS Caremark.

The poll was conducted by Harris Poll and surveyed 2,079 adults between July 23-25, 2014. It found that 61% of respondents were unaware of the significance of high-dose flu vaccines for seniors. The high-dose vaccines have stronger antigens than those present in regular flu vaccines.

GSK begins shipping 2014-15 flu vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive flu vaccines.

Nearly 58% of those surveyed said they planned to recommend the high-dose vaccine to people they know who are 65 years or older. According to the CDC, 90% of flu-related deaths and more than 60% of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years or older.