A new study shows more Americans are opting out even as flu cases surge

• Flu vaccination rates among U.S. adults have fallen 24% since 2020, putting this season on track for a seven-year low.

• Many Americans say they skip the shot not out of fear, but because they dont think they need it or cant find the time.

• Health experts say even when its not a perfect match, the flu vaccine significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

Flu cases are climbing again, hospitalizations are up, and whats typically considered flu season seems to be stretching longer than usual. But while the virus is making a comeback, the flu shot isnt.

New research from Tebra suggests that flu vaccination rates among U.S. adults have dropped 24% since 2020 and this season is on track to hit a seven-year low. The study analyzed CDC FluVaxView data going back to 2018 and surveyed more than 1,000 Americans about their vaccine habits and attitudes.

The results paint a complicated picture: more than half of adults have received two or fewer flu shots over the past five years, and one in three havent gotten a single shot during that time.

So whats going on? Is it lingering vaccine fatigue from the pandemic? Concerns about safety? Or just the hassle of fitting one more appointment into a packed schedule?

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Kevin Marasco, Chief Growth Officer at Tebra, who broke down whats driving the drop and whether there are signs that Americans might start rolling up their sleeves again.

Fewer flu shots

Tebras research found that the overall rate of flu vaccines across the country have dropped 24% over the last six years. Marasco explained that there are several factors influencing consumers decision to get or not get the flu shot.

The 24% drop in flu vaccination reflects a combination of pandemic fatigue, shifting risk perception, and the politicization of public health, he said. For instance, during the COVID pandemic, awareness around infectious disease was at its peak, and viruses were top of mind for most people.

Were also seeing more young people believe theyre low-risk, so theres even less motivation to get vaccinated. Our survey also found that more than four in 10 Americans skip the flu shot because they dont think they need it, or didnt make the time to get one.

What are the barriers?

Marasco believes that the biggest barriers to getting the flu shot arent fear theyre tension and complacency.

Many people say they dont think they need it or simply didnt find the time. Inconvenient scheduling, underestimating flu severity, and assuming if youre in good health, youre low risk are key factors. Whats interesting is we found a majority of Americans say the flu shot is safe and effective, so its less about distrust and more about perceived necessity.

Marasco also explained that while social media definitely plays a role, its often overstated.

Based on our research, only 14% of Americans cite social media as their top source of vaccine information, compared to 64% who rely on their doctor, he said. With that being said, social media does push emotional narratives and misinformation at scale. While its not a primary source, it does shape perception, especially among younger generations; it reinforces doubts or normalizes vaccine avoidance and skepticism.

Risk reduction

For those who may be skeptical or opposed to a flu shot, Marasco offers a different perspective.

If someone is opposed to the flu shot, try encouraging them to focus on credible information and speak directly with a health care provider instead of relying on secondhand narratives, he suggested.

The flu vaccine isnt about perfection; its about risk reduction. Even in years where its not a perfect match, it significantly lowers the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications. Its a small step that protects not just you, but the vulnerable people around you.

Nova Bus, Volvo, and Daimler Trucks are part of this week's recall

A cardiac imaging specialist shares what consumers should know about prevention, screening, and simple steps that matter

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. but its largely preventable with the right steps.

• Simple lifestyle changes and keeping key health numbers in check can dramatically lower your risk.

• Newer, noninvasive imaging tests like calcium scoring can help detect hidden plaque before symptoms appear.

February is American Heart Month and while it might come wrapped in red hearts and Valentines Day candy, the message behind it is serious. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.

The good news? Its also one of the most preventable.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Dr. Christopher Maroules, Director of Cardiac Imaging of SimonMed, to learn more about the key prevention strategies and simple ways to be more mindful of your heart health.

Biggest heart disease risks

As the leading cause of death in the United States, heart disease remains one of the biggest risks to consumers health. Dr. Maroules shared some of the biggest heart disease risks to be aware of:

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes or insulin resistance

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Family history of premature heart disease

Lower your risk

If youre thinking about staying on top of your heart health, Dr. Maroules has some strategies for consumers to implement at any time of year:

• Optimize lifestyle habits: Regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet (such as Mediterranean-style eating), maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco are foundational. These steps reduce inflammation and slow plaque development.

• Control key numbers: Know your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and weight. Work with your physician to manage them proactively. Many patients assume theyre fine because they feel fine, but heart disease often progresses silently.

• Consider preventive heart screening: For appropriate patients, noninvasive imaging like a coronary calcium score can identify early plaque before symptoms develop.

Many heart attacks occur in people who did not consider themselves high risk, Dr. Maroules explained. Even healthy individuals should know their family history, track cholesterol and blood pressure regularly, maintain consistent physical activity, avoid smoking, and have informed discussions with their physician about individualized risk.

Early intervention is key

Prevention is one of the biggest tools that consumers have in their arsenal to fight against heart disease.

Early intervention is critical because heart disease is largely preventable, but only if we detect it in time, Dr. Maroules said. Plaque builds gradually. If we identify it early, we can initiate lifestyle changes, optimize cholesterol-lowering therapies, control blood pressure more aggressively, reduce inflammation, and monitor plaque progression over time.

Advanced cardiac imaging plays a powerful role here. Calcium scoring identifies early calcified plaque. The future of heart care is not just treating heart attacks, its preventing them. When it comes to heart disease, knowledge truly is power, and early knowledge saves lives.

Costco members blindsided as restaurant gift cards stop working

• Bankruptcy fallout: Synergy World Inc. shut down its restaurant gift card program sold at Costco Wholesale, invalidating cards earlier than expected.

• Money at risk: Unused balances may be lost since gift card holders are unsecured creditors in Chapter 7.

• Act fast: Contact your local Costco about possible refunds and bring proof of purchase if you have it.

A popular multi-restaurant gift card program sold at Costco has suddenly shut down after its issuer filed for bankruptcy, leaving some shoppers stuck with unusable balances.

Heres what you need to know if you have one of these gifts cards and what to do in the future to protect yourself.

Heres what happened

Synergy World Inc., the company behind the Synergy Restaurant Gift Card program, announced it was winding down operations and preparing to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Although cardholders were originally told cards would be honored through January 31, 2026, a surge in redemptions reportedly forced the program to close earlier than planned.

As a result, both physical and digital cards tied to the program were abruptly invalidated. Some customers say they were able to use their cards before the shutdown, while others report restaurants stopped accepting them without warning.

Why this matters to consumers

These cards were marketed as flexible dining options redeemable at multiple restaurants in the San Diego area. They were popular buys for Costco members because they were sold at a discount through Costco.

Shoppers who bought them expecting a deal are now scrambling to recover their money.

When a gift card issuer files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, cardholders typically become unsecured creditors which means theres no guarantee theyll ever recover any unused funds.

What Costco shoppers can do

There may be a silver lining in this story, and a useful tip for all gift card holders across the country.

Multiple customers report that Costco warehouses are offering refunds for your unused Synergy gift cards.

However, responses appear to vary by location, and some stores are still waiting on corporate guidance.

If you purchased one of these Synergy cards:

• Act quickly. Dont assume the card will still work.
• Contact your local Costco warehouse. Policies may differ by location.
• Bring your receipt if possible. While some shoppers say refunds were processed without proof of purchase, having documentation can help.
• Print out your remaining balance.If youve used some of the gift card, bring documentation that shows your remaining balanceand Costco should refund you.
• Call ahead. This could save you a wasted trip if your warehouse is still reviewing its policy.

Costco has a long-standing reputation for customer service and standing behind its products. But in cases like this, your timing does matter.

If youve been holding onto one of these discounted restaurant gift cards waiting for the right time to use it, nows the time to check your balance and explore your refund options.