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Adults Remained Confused About Vaccination Guidelines

New survey data reveals a widespread misunderstanding of current recommendations for flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in COVID-19

Gouache-painted illustration featuring a solitary glass medical vial and overlapping translucent shapes, evoking the complexity of vaccine eligibility guidelines.
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases reported widespread public confusion regarding current eligibility guidelines for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations in the United States. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you feel confident knowing which vaccine recommendations apply to your own health?

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) reported that many U.S. adults are unclear about whether respiratory virus vaccines are recommended for them. This confusion persists despite a high level of general agreement that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks.

Why it matters

Widespread uncertainty regarding vaccine eligibility may lead to missed opportunities for preventive care against serious respiratory illnesses. The findings highlight a gap in public understanding following the discontinuation of previous federal outreach efforts.

A national survey conducted in August 2026 with a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points found that almost half of respondents do not realize COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for them. Only 11% correctly estimated the 710,000 CDC-tracked flu hospitalizations from the 2024-2025 season.

The players

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases

A non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public and healthcare professionals about the burden, causes, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The national public health agency responsible for tracking disease trends and establishing clinical vaccination guidelines.

The details

The newly launched Tame It campaign seeks to address these knowledge gaps by providing educational graphics and resources to schools and health organizations. These materials incorporate content previously developed for the federal Wild to Mild initiative, which was shuttered in February 2025. By centralizing this information, the program aims to clarify eligibility standards for the public.

Timeline

  1. The CDC's Wild to Mild campaign began in 2023.

  2. Flu-related hospitalizations reached 710,000 during the 2024-2025 season.

  3. The Trump administration closed the Wild to Mild campaign in February 2025.

  4. The NFID conducted the survey in August 2026.

  5. The survey results and the Tame It campaign were released on September 28, 2026.

Health Landscape

The Tame It campaign marks a departure from the federal approach previously established by the CDC's Wild to Mild campaign. This shift highlights the evolving role of non-profit entities in filling gaps in public health communication following federal policy changes.

If you are unsure whether you are due for a flu or COVID-19 vaccine, it is worth discussing your specific risk profile with your doctor during your next visit. Identifying whether you meet the criteria for vaccination is a simple way to help prevent severe respiratory illness.

The takeaway

Many adults underestimate the real-world impact of respiratory viruses, including the 710,000 hospitalizations seen in the 2024-2025 season. When in doubt about your vaccination status, consult your healthcare provider to confirm which preventive measures are recommended for your age and health history.

Further reading

For more on the current guidance for respiratory virus prevention, see our COVID-19 section.

Live Poll

Do you feel confident knowing which vaccine recommendations apply to your own health?