Local Public Health Officials Report Fewer Flu Vaccinations

December 8, 2025
• The town reports falling flu vaccine numbers. However, Needham still rise far above state averages.

Just below 47% of Needham residents have received their flu shot so far this season, according to data compiled by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Around this time last year, that number was about 10% higher, officials with the Needham Public Health Division said.

Vulnerable populations — namely adults 80 years and older and children under 5 years old — are also falling far below their 2024 numbers. A total 63% of those elderly residents and 39% of young children have so far received their flu vaccine, compared with 77% and 51% this time last year, respectively, town officials said.

The town administered 533 flu vaccines and only 76 COVID vaccines last season, Public Health Nurse Ginny Chacon-Lopez said. They often heard people complaining of “needle fatigue,” leading to a spike in influenza last year, she said.

So far, through vaccine clinics, the town has given out about 120 flu doses, as of last week. The clinics started in early September, and the flu season usually runs through March. This particular strain of flu has apparently been a “tough” one, town Epidemiologist Julie McCarthy said.

Nevertheless, the town is nearly 20% above the statewide average, which was 29.5% as of Nov. 29.

Determining the makeup of the flu vaccine is difficult, meaning some immunizations don’t always match the flu strain, McCarthy said. Though both she and Chacon-Lopez stressed the importance of getting the vaccine.

“It helps protect you from getting really, really sick,” Chacon-Lopez said. “It’s better to just be protected and have some sort of immunity and barrier to help keep you and your loved ones safe, versus not having anything and risk going to the hospital and getting more people sick.”

For those already experiencing symptoms, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham shared guidance on Facebook in February.

At Birds Hill Pharmacy, staff have administered between 800 to 1,000 flu vaccines. Pharmacy Manager Kevin Ryan said that’s “a very good number to be at,” as it “provides that herd immunity to help protect” the community.

A vast majority of people come to Birds Hill for both the flu and COVID shots, Ryan said. Should there be a spike in cases, he said he expects more visits to the pharmacy for vaccines, though the “sweet spot” is usually in the fall. Both Birds Hill and Union are still offering vaccines.

Union Pharmacy, now in its second year in Needham, has given out 1,455 flu vaccines as of Monday morning. Staff pharmacist Varteni Akian said it’s hard to estimate a usual annual number of shots, since the store is new to town.

While the town clinics are popular, McCarthy said they’re trying to share more information via social media to dispel misinformation and confusion around vaccinations.

“I think the tough part is that the folks that we’re getting in for the vaccine clinics are the folks who are already convinced,” she said, “and so maybe they’re here for flu, and we can convince them on covid. Maybe someone is there, and we can convince them to also give a vaccine to their kid.”

When asked why the town might be seeing fewer vaccinations this year, Chacon-Lopez said there’s one main factor: the current political climate.

“Unfortunately, I think the people that are supposed to be in leadership roles on the federal level are going against science,” she said. “And I think people that are very devoted to current political leaders will side with them and will listen to them, because, I mean, that’s what you do… I think that that’s where the rift is coming from here.”

Last month, the state’s DPH Commissioner issued a statement against the belief that vaccines cause autism.

Ryan offered a local perspective, given the typical read-outs at their clinics.

“Simply put, we live in an area with a lot of health-related knowledge,” he said.

All those who spoke to Needham Local reiterated the same message: It’s never too late to get vaccinated.

“I think sometimes people think if they’ve made it to Thanksgiving without getting it, they’ve missed their shot,” McCarthy said. “If you get it now, it’ll kick in in time for the December holidays. And so it’s never too late. Recommend, go out and get it.”