Convenience determines where most Americans get their flu shots

A Harris Poll survey released by CVS Health on Wednesday revealed that more than one-third of U.S. adults selected a vaccination location determined by convenience.

The ability to walk in and receive a flu shot without an appointment was a factor for 28 percent of those surveyed, while getting the entire family vaccinated at one time was a factor for 20 percent of Americans. The survey revealed that although 46 percent of the 2,000 Americans surveyed stated that everyone in the household received a flu shot, 39 percent of those families required two or more trips to the doctor or vaccination site before the entire family had received the flu vaccination.

"We understand that while most Americans intend to get themselves and their family vaccinated against the flu each year, lack of convenience often prohibits them from accomplishing their goal," CVS Health VP of Pharmacy Affairs Papatya Tankut said. "That's why we're making it easier than ever to get the whole family vaccinated, quickly and easily, at their local CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic."

CVS Pharmacies and MinuteClinics provide flu vaccinations every day for walk-in patients. The availability of vaccinations seven days a week, including evenings and weekends, make it convenient for the entire family to receive flu shots in one trip. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone over six months old and eligible for a flu shot to receive it by October to ensure immunity before flu season strikes.

"It can take up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to build immunity," MinuteClinic Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer Angela Patterson said. "That's why we recommend getting a flu shot as soon as the vaccine is available to ensure you have the best protection before flu season peaks. Also, many people don't realize that each year influenza strains may change, so it's very important to get vaccinated every year to make sure you are protected."