Study: Hawai‘i Ranks Above Average For Flu Vaccinations

CDC photo.

A recent nationwide analysis finds that on average, more Hawai‘i residents get flu shots than elsewhere in the country.

The study—which investigated how often the average American visits their healthcare provider and their reasons for delaying a check-up—found that only 57 percent of Hawai‘i residents skip the flu shot. The findings also revealed that despite Hawai‘i’s standing as the most expensive state to live in, it boasted the lowest percentage of residents avoiding medical care due to financial constraints.

Nationwide, more than one in 10 Americans identified health care costs as the central reason keeping them from a check-up, according to the study. Men were found to be less likely to postpone care than women.

Overall, the report said people who are between the ages of 18 and 34 are least likely to get flu shots while roughly 60% of people aged 65 and older get an annual vaccination against influenza.

The analysis used data gathered by the Center for Disease Control’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a massive survey of the country’s health concerns and habits.