A new multi-state survey reveals encouraging news about flu vaccine attitudes in Atlanta. More than 4 in 5 Atlanta adults say the flu vaccine is both safe (83%) and effective (81%) — signaling strong support as the 2025–2026 flu season approaches.
Why Atlantans Choose to Get Vaccinated
When asked about their motivation for flu vaccination:
- 69% of Atlanta adults said getting vaccinated is a personal choice to protect their health
- 31% said it’s a community responsibility to protect others
This finding reflects a broader national trend where individual health concerns are the main driver for vaccine uptake.
Trust in the Flu Vaccine Is Strong
- 58% of Atlanta adults reported they “completely” or “mostly” trust the flu vaccine
- 26% said they “somewhat” trust it
- Only 17% reported no trust at all
This level of confidence closely mirrors national results, where 68% of adults overall reported high trust in the flu vaccine.
Racial Differences in Vaccine Beliefs
Across all surveyed sites (Atlanta, St. Louis, North Carolina, and Mississippi):
- 80% of Black respondents said the flu vaccine is safe, compared to 90% of White respondents
- Trust was also lower among Black adults (61%) compared to White adults (79%)
- 75% of Black respondents believed vaccination is a personal health decision (vs. 64% of Whites)
These differences underscore the importance of culturally sensitive outreach and historical context in vaccine conversations.
Flu Prevention: What You Can Do
The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive a flu shot each year. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and complications.
In addition to vaccination:
- Practice regular handwashing
- Avoid close contact when sick
- Make a plan for when, where, and how you’ll get your flu vaccine this fall
Help Keep Atlanta Safe
Whether you view flu vaccination as a personal decision or a way to protect the community, your actions make a difference. Talk to your healthcare provider, encourage your family to get vaccinated, and share accurate information with your network.
Together, we can reduce the spread of flu in Atlanta and promote healthier outcomes for all.
About This Report:
This alert is based on a survey conducted June 21–23, 2025, including 524 adults across Atlanta, GA (n=78), St. Louis, MO (n=190), North Carolina (n=88), and Mississippi (n=168). For more insights, visit iHeard Atlanta.
