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The big flu-jab misconception still holding AndalucÃa back
Nearly half of adults don’t plan to get vaccinated, even as experts warn they’re not as safe as they think
Andalucía has found itself back in the spotlight over flu vaccinations, and not for the best reasons. A new national survey has revealed a widespread misunderstanding about who is actually at risk. The Fifth Survey of Opinion and Perception on the Flu shows that 48% of Andalusians have no intention of getting the flu jab this season, even though cases have been climbing in Spain in recent months.What really stands out is how many people underestimate their own vulnerability. Most respondents know that people over 60 are a priority group, yet only 32% of Andalusians consider themselves at risk, and 27% of over-60s say they don’t plan to get vaccinated at all. For health professionals, that’s a worrying gap between what people know and what they feel applies to them.
The survey also uncovered something quite telling about how minds can be changed. Of those who currently don’t plan to get vaccinated, 44% say they would if their doctor or nurse recommended it. In other words, a quick chat during a routine appointment could make all the difference.
People who do get their jab tend to be driven by familiar reasons such as protecting themselves and others (57%), following health advice (50%), or simply feeling it’s the responsible thing to do. On the other hand, those who skip it often say they don’t feel part of a risk group (38%), haven’t been prescribed it (33%), or have never had the flu (23%). It’s a useful reminder that not having caught something before doesn’t mean you’re immune to it now.
Javier Castrodeza from the University Clinical Hospital of Valladolid summed up the situation clearly. “Although the data reflects some stabilisation, the fact that half the population has no intention of getting vaccinated against the flu remains alarming. We must emphasise awareness and proactive health recommendations, especially for at-risk groups.” He also stresses that more vaccinations ease the pressure on hospitals, which becomes especially important as winter illnesses peak.
Another issue highlighted by the study is communication. Only 25% of Andalusians say they’ve received information about this year’s vaccination campaign. Most of that came through health centres and hospitals, while others heard about it via the media, workplaces or directly from healthcare staff. Even so, four in ten people say they wish their doctor or nurse communicated more proactively, reinforcing the idea that professional advice can genuinely shift public behaviour.
Despite all this, overall confidence in the flu vaccine remains steady. 61% say their trust hasn’t changed, while around a quarter feel more confident than before and a smaller group say it has decreased slightly.
The message from the data is simple enough. Although adults in Andalucía don’t see themselves as being at risk, the numbers suggest otherwise. With flu circulating earlier and faster this year, clearing up these misconceptions could be key to protecting those who need it most.
Image: Photo by SHVETS production/Pexels
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