WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The memory of last year’s severe flu season will inspire some Americans who did not get a flu shot last year to get vaccinated this year, according to a survey released Tuesday by CVS Health.

According to the survey, 22% of consumers who didn’t get a flu vaccine last year say they are more likely to get one this year, because they know that last year’s flu season was a bad one. And among the 27% of parents of children under 18 whose child did not get the flu vaccine last year, 26% say they are more likely to get their child vaccinated this year after learning about the notably high flu levels during last year’s flu season.

CVS notes that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone who is eligible and at least six months old get a flu shot when the vaccine becomes available, preferably by October. All CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide now have the vaccine available, the company said.

The annual flu survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of CVS Pharmacy last month among over 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18+, also found that two-thirds (66%) of those surveyed get a flu vaccine every year, or plan to get one this year, a five percent increase from last year’s survey findings.

“Many people are looking for ways to stay healthy, especially during cold and flu season,” said Papatya Tankut, vice president of pharmacy affairs at CVS Health. “This has led to an increase in those who are planning to get a flu shot this year, and we’re hoping this results in fewer flu cases. CVS Pharmacy continues to be a partner in helping our customers combat the flu and helping them focus on their overall health in a way that works for them – particularly in terms of convenience, access and affordability.”

The top three factors that determine where people get their flu vaccine are doctors’ opinions (39%), where their insurance is accepted (38%), and convenience (33%), according to the survey, which found that 22% plan to get vaccinated at a pharmacy.  continue to rank among the top three factors in determining where to go for a flu shot among patients who have received a flu vaccine. That has stayed steady since last year’s survey, while the number of people getting vaccinated at their workplace has declined (from 22% to 15%) while the number who get vaccinated by their primary care provider or other health care professional has increased (from 44% to 48%).

“Surprising to many, it can actually take up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to build immunity,” said Angela Patterson, chief nurse practitioner officer at MinuteClinic. “Because of this, CVS Pharmacy recommends patients get their flu shot as soon as the vaccine becomes available to ensure patients are the most protected before flu season peaks. Furthermore, influenza strains tend to change each year, so it’s very important to get vaccinated annually to make sure you are protected.”

The flu vaccine is a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act, fully covered and available at no cost through most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B. CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic can directly bill many national and regional health plans that cover all or part of the cost of a flu shot, the company said.