Flu Vaccinations for Older Americans Drop as Cases Rise

A patient gets a flu shot at a health facility in Washington.

Photographer: Eva Hambach/AFP/Getty Images

Influenza vaccinations among a high-risk group — adults age 65 and older — has declined, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, amid two consecutive severe flu seasons that have seen thousands die from the disease.

New research shows that flu vaccinations for older adults dropped to 67.1% in 2024, down from 70.5% in 2019.