August 11, 2020 – According to our recent survey assessing Canadian intentions and attitudes regarding the flu shot, 57% say they are definitely or probably getting the flu shot for the upcoming flu season – a notable increase from the 45% who say they received last season’s shot. The cohort of Canadians who intend to get the flu shot this Fall includes 26% of Canadians who did not get the shot last season. Notably, a third (34%) of Canadians say they are more likely to get the flu shot this year because of COVID-19, whereas just 7% are less likely.
These are some of the findings of an online survey conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights amongst a randomly-selected, reliable sample of N=1,912 adult Canadians from May 21 to 25, 2020. Online samples cannot officially be assigned a margin of error. A probability sample of this size carries a margin of error of ± 2.2%, 19 times out of 20. Although flexible demographic and regional quotas were employed to ensure reliable and comparable subsegment analysis, the data was weighted by current gender, age, & region Census data, to ensure the sample reflects the actual adult population of Canada.
Pharmacies continue to be the most likely place for immunization this upcoming flu season (41%), with 34% saying they will go to their doctor’s office. When deciding where to get immunized this flu season, physical distancing (80%), PPE usage (80%), and limits on number of people allowed on the premises at a time (76%) are the most important considerations for Canadians.
Notably, convincing Canadians of the efficacy and safety of the flu shot remains a challenge for governments and health policy leaders. Although 54% believe the flu shot does an effective job of preventing the flu, almost half remain unconvinced. A quarter (27%) feel it is ineffective, 6% feel it does more harm than good to patient health, and 13% are unsure.
For more details on the survey findings, including the full report and provincial results, please visit the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) website.
