Clover Health Flu Shot Monitor Finds Only 41% of U.S. Seniors Have Gotten Immunized This Season
African-Americans have even lower vaccination rates
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Newly conducted survey results released today from the monthly Clover Health Flu Shot Monitor reveal that only 41% of U.S. seniors 60 and older have gotten a flu shot this fall. These findings are prompting the Medicare Advantage insurer to urge America's seniors to take the threat of the virus seriously and get vaccinated immediately.
The Clover Health Flu Shot Monitor also found that:
- Only 26% of African-Americans 60 and older have been vaccinated, compared with 42% of white seniors surveyed
- While 45% of male seniors surveyed have gotten a flu shot, only 37% of women have been vaccinated this fall
- 51% of those seniors with a household income of $75,000 or more have received a flu shot, versus 37% of those in households earning $35,000-$74,999, and just 35% of those earning less than $35,000
- Only 37% of seniors surveyed who are also caregivers for others have been vaccinated this season
- Just 35% of seniors surveyed without an undergraduate degree have gotten a flu shot, compared with 50% of those who graduated from college
- While 56% of seniors 80 years and older have gotten a flu shot, only 47% of seniors 70-79 and 37% of those ages 60-69 have been vaccinated
It takes about two weeks for the influenza vaccine to be fully effective, making it important to get one now — before the height of the flu season.
"Last year's unprecedented and incredibly deadly flu season severely impacted the senior population, more so than any other age group," said Kumar Dharmarajan, MD, Chief Scientific Officer, Clover Health. "Hospitalization and death from the flu are preventable. Getting the flu shot is the best protection available and is the most responsible choice for all seniors who want to keep themselves, and their families, healthy."
The Flu Shot Monitor from Clover, a healthcare company using technology to improve medical outcomes, surveyed seniors across the U.S. to assess how prepared seniors are for this flu season.
Clover's focus on reducing the number of seniors who catch the flu this season stems from the company's commitment to preventative healthcare, leveraging data and its technology platform to proactively address potential illnesses before they become serious. As part of this, Clover's sophisticated technology has an 85% accuracy rate in identifying patients at risk of being admitted to the hospital in the next 28 days – an unmatched level of precision.
Open enrollment began on October 15 and goes through December 7, during which time seniors and others eligible for Medicare can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or change their existing plan. Clover members receive free flu shots as part of the insurer's comprehensive plan benefits.
This second Clover Health Flu Shot Monitor was conducted by Wakefield Research of 1,000 adults age 60 and older throughout the U.S. The survey was administered from October 10, 2018, through October 25, 2018.
The Clover Health Flu Shot Monitor will continue to track the percentage of U.S. seniors who get a flu shot throughout this flu season and provide regular updates.
About Clover Health
Clover Health is a healthcare technology company with a deeply-rooted mission of helping its members live their healthiest lives. Clover uses its proprietary technology platform to collect, structure and analyze health and behavioral data to improve medical outcomes and lower costs for patients. As the only company whose business goals fully align with its members' health needs, Clover works with members and their caregivers to become a valued partner. This trust is built by proactively identifying at-risk individuals and teaming up with providers to accelerate care coordination and simultaneously improve health outcomes and reduce avoidable costs. Clover is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.cloverhealth.com.
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SOURCE Clover Health
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