CDC Trust Declines & Tylenol-Autism Link Debunked: KFF Polls & New Data (Feb 12, 2026)

Trust in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) remains at a low point, even as new evidence continues to debunk claims linking common medications to serious health conditions. These findings, released on February 12, 2026, highlight a complex interplay between public perception, political messaging, and scientific understanding.

Declining Trust in the CDC

The latest KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust reveals that just 47% of U.S. Adults express at least “a fair amount” of trust in the CDC to provide reliable information about vaccines. This represents a more than 10 percentage point decline since the beginning of the second Trump administration and continues a downward trend observed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline is particularly pronounced among Democrats, with trust falling to 55% – down from 64% in September.

This erosion of trust coincides with recent changes to federal vaccine policy, including a reduction in the number of vaccines universally recommended for children. While approximately four in ten Republicans maintain some level of trust in the CDC for vaccine information, this figure is roughly half the level of trust reported in early 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Tylenol-Autism Misinformation

Adding to the challenges in public health communication is the persistence of misinformation surrounding acetaminophen (Tylenol) and autism. Despite a lack of scientific evidence, a claim that prenatal Tylenol use increases the risk of autism gained traction after the Trump administration issued a warning in September 2025. KFF polling conducted shortly after the announcement found that 77% of the public had heard the claim.

While only 4% of adults believed the claim to be “definitely true,” a significant 35% considered it “definitely false.” A substantial portion of the population – 30% – remained uncertain, viewing the claim as either “probably true” or “probably false.” This uncertainty is strongly correlated with political affiliation, with a majority of Republicans, including over half of Republican women, leaning towards believing the claim to be at least “probably true.”

New Evidence Reaffirms No Link

However, a newly published review and meta-analysis in The Lancet provides further evidence refuting any link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study reinforces existing clinical guidance recommending acetaminophen as the preferred pain and fever treatment for pregnant individuals.

Despite this robust scientific consensus, confusion may persist. Following the study’s publication, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) questioned its conclusions, stating that “many experts have expressed concern” about a potential link. This continued questioning of acetaminophen’s safety, despite the lack of evidence, underscores the impact of messaging from different sources on public perception.

The Role of Trusted Messengers

Public trust in health information sources varies considerably. According to Pew Research, Americans generally express greater confidence in scientists (77%) than in elected officials (27%). KFF polling data from January 2026 further illustrates this dynamic, revealing that Republicans are more likely to trust President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. For health information, while Democrats and independents place greater trust in other sources.

Notably, across all political affiliations, doctors and healthcare providers consistently rank as the most trusted sources of health information. This highlights the crucial role physicians play in communicating accurate and evidence-based information to their patients and the public.

New KFF Polling Dashboard

To help navigate this complex landscape of health information and trust, KFF has launched a new interactive dashboard. This dashboard provides access to data from dozens of past KFF polls, offering insights into the public’s trusted sources for health information, attitudes toward vaccines, and use of news, social media, and artificial intelligence for health-related information.

The dashboard includes data on trusted sources of health information across demographics, a timeline illustrating changes in trust in the CDC over time, and a ranking of exposure to and belief in false or unproven health claims. It also highlights the “malleable middle” – the significant portion of the population that remains uncertain about the validity of various health claims.

The downloadable data and charts allow researchers, policymakers, journalists, and others to explore partisan and demographic differences on key health information issues. The dashboard will be updated regularly to reflect the latest polling data and trends.

The ongoing challenges in maintaining public trust in health information underscore the importance of clear, consistent, and evidence-based communication from trusted sources, particularly healthcare professionals. Addressing misinformation and fostering informed decision-making are critical for protecting public health.