Public confidence in the safety of common vaccines – those for COVID-19, influenza, and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) – has declined in recent years, according to a new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania. While a majority of Americans still view these vaccines as safe, the decrease in perceived safety raises concerns among public health officials, particularly as the U.S. Experiences ongoing outbreaks of influenza and measles, and continues to grapple with COVID-19.
The survey, conducted between and , among 1,637 U.S. Adults, revealed that 83% of respondents believe the MMR vaccine is safe, down from 88% in . Perceptions of the flu vaccine’s safety also decreased, with 80% considering it safe compared to 85% in . The most significant drop was observed for the COVID-19 vaccine, with 65% of adults now viewing it as safe, a decrease from 73% in .
“While most people continue to regard the flu and MMR vaccines as safe, it is concerning that we are seeing a decline in perceptions of safety over time,” said Laura A. Gibson, a research analyst at APPC.
This decline in confidence coincides with a period of increased disease activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports rising flu levels across the United States, with more children over five visiting emergency departments. Measles cases in reached their highest level since , with 2,144 confirmed cases nationally. Notably, an outbreak in South Carolina continues to expand, currently accounting for 920 cases, according to state health officials. COVID-19 cases also remain elevated in certain regions of the country.
The APPC survey highlights a potential risk to community immunity, particularly concerning the MMR vaccine. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, noted that while a strong majority still view the measles vaccine as safe, the figure falling below the 95% threshold needed to achieve community immunity is “worrisome.”
These findings align with broader trends indicating a growing acceptance of health misinformation. A separate survey conducted by the APPC between and , found that the percentage of Americans who believe vaccines approved for use in the United States are safe dropped to 71% from 77% in . Conversely, the percentage of adults who express concerns about vaccine safety grew from 9% to 16% over the same period.
The survey also revealed increased acceptance of specific false claims. For example, 26% of respondents incorrectly believe that ivermectin is an effective treatment for COVID-19, up from 10% in . 16% of adults believe that “increased vaccines are why so many kids have autism these days,” an increase from 10% in . While the majority (70%) correctly recognize that the MMR vaccine does not cause autism, 12% incorrectly believe it does, up from 9% in .
“There are warning signs in these data that we ignore at our peril,” said Kathleen Hall Jamieson. “Growing numbers now distrust health-protecting, life-saving vaccines.”
Public health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination as a vital step in decreasing the risk of serious respiratory illnesses. The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination and staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines. Maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial for protecting individuals and communities, especially during periods of increased disease transmission.
The CDC also stresses the need for continued surveillance of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 to inform targeted interventions aimed at increasing vaccine uptake and bolstering public confidence. Efforts to counter misinformation and promote accurate information about vaccines remain critical in safeguarding public health.
A recent report from the CDC highlights the need to reinforce the message that vaccination is a vital step toward decreasing risk of serious respiratory illness.
