Declining Vaccination Rates Among Seniors Raise Public Health Concerns
A concerning trend of decreasing vaccination rates among Americans aged 65 and older has emerged as both a personal health challenge for aging populations and a significant public health issue for the U.S., according to data released January 21, 2026, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
The CDC’s Data Brief 547 highlights a decline in the uptake of both influenza and pneumonia vaccines in older adults since 2019. This decline underscores the challenges facing U.S. healthcare systems in protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining community health.
A Dramatic Drop in Flu Vaccine Uptake
The data reveals a particularly sharp decrease in flu vaccination rates among older Americans between 2023 and 2024. This is especially worrisome given that older adults are at heightened risk of severe illness from influenza due to weakened immune systems and a higher prevalence of co-morbidities like heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“Through a population health lens, we know that older adults face higher risks as immune systems weaken over time,” one analyst noted.
Disparities in Vaccination Access
Further analysis of the CDC data reveals disparities in influenza vaccination rates based on age, race, and income. The oldest Americans demonstrate higher rates of flu vaccine uptake – 75.3% compared to 62.6% – suggesting that those with more years lived may be more consistently vaccinated. Income also plays a role, with older adults from higher-income households exhibiting higher vaccination rates than those with very low incomes.
These findings point to systemic barriers to access and potential inequities in healthcare delivery. .
Timely Conversation on Vaccine Value
The release of the CDC data coincides with the launch of “The Value of Vaccines” conversation series from Pfizer. The series, featuring experts such as Elif Alyanak from Avalere, Venesa Day with Fox Chubby Health Policy Consulting, and Kim Thiboldeaux of the Northeast Business Group on Health, moderated by Dr. Geeta Nayyar, author of Dead Wrong: Diagnosing and Treating Healthcare’s Misinformation Illness, aims to address the current landscape of vaccines and vaccination.
According to a company release, the conversations focused on how stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem can drive positive change in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases in adults. Listeners can access the four episodes at ValueofVaccines.com.
The convergence of these events – the concerning CDC data and the proactive discussion spurred by Pfizer – underscores the urgency of addressing declining vaccination rates and ensuring equitable access to preventative care for all Americans. The discussions could not be more timely as public health officials grapple with maintaining immunity levels and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
