Support for NPR comes from NPR member stations and Eric and Wendy Schmidt through the Schmidt Family Foundation,

working toward a healthy, resilient, secure world for all. On the web at theshmit.org. The start of December brings holiday cheer and the flu.

Peak season is from December to February.

So are we ready?

This is Paula.

I'm calling from Dudley, Massachusetts.

John from Massachusetts.

I am going to be 80 in June.

I felt important to get my vaccines up to date

as of November, 24, and I always do get the flu shot. I am a staunch vaccine supporter. I am fully up to

date on both my COVID and flu vaccinations. Paula and John from Massachusetts are up to date on their seasonal vaccines,

but they're in the minority nationwide.

Less than half of American adults are vaccinated against coronavirus and the flu this year.

Vaccination rates are dropping for kids, too.

What does that mean for all of our public health?

I'm Jen White.

You're listening to the 1A podcast where we get to the

heart of the story. We'll be back with more after this short break. Stay with us.

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