CVS/pharmacy released results on Monday from a survey that found almost two in five U.S. adults (37 percent) have missed a life event because they were feeling ill with flu-like symptoms.
"No one wants to get sick with the flu, and getting sick is even worse when it causes us to miss an important life event, such as a vacation, wedding, holiday gathering or a child's big sporting event or recital," Tom Davis, vice president of pharmacy professional practices at CVS/pharmacy, said. "The simple fact is that getting an annual flu shot is the best protection available against catching or spreading the flu."
Harris Poll conducted the July online survey of over 2,000 adults on behalf of CVS/pharmacy. The survey found that 58 percent of Americans indicated they get a flu vaccine every year or plan to get one this year.
Commonly cited reasons for getting the vaccine included:
• Because it is the best way to avoid the flu
• To protect their families from the flu virus
• To prevent missing important life events due to the flu
"It is recommended to get a flu shot as soon as the vaccine is available because it takes a couple of weeks for it to build immunity in order to provide you with the best protection before flu season peaks," Nancy Gagliano, senior vice president of CVS Health and chief medical officer of CVS/MinuteClinic, said.
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