CDC Trust Declines & Tylenol-Autism Link: KFF Health Polls – February 2026

Recent data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reveals a concerning trend: trust in the centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) remains low, particularly among Democrats. This decline coincides with changes to recommended childhood vaccine schedules and the release of a new KFF dashboard designed to track public opinion on health information and trust. Simultaneously, new research reinforces existing scientific consensus regarding acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy, yet public confusion persists, highlighting the impact of messaging from various sources on health perceptions.

New KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust

Trust in the CDC Declines

According to the latest KFF Tracking Poll, just under half (47%) of the public expresses at least “a fair amount” of trust in the CDC for reliable vaccine information. This represents a more than 10 percentage point decrease since the beginning of the second Trump administration and continues a downward trend observed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trust among Democrats has fallen further, with only 55% now expressing trust in the agency, down from 64% in September. Approximately four in ten Republicans report trusting the CDC for vaccine information, a figure similar to previous months and 2023, but significantly lower than the levels of trust observed during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Interactive Dashboard Launched

KFF has launched a new interactive dashboard to provide insights into public opinion regarding health information and trust. The dashboard tracks trusted sources for health information, attitudes toward vaccines, and the use of news, social media, and artificial intelligence for health-related information. It includes data on trusted sources 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.

Did You Know? The dashboard highlights the “malleable middle”—many adults express uncertainty over the validity of false or unproven health claims, stating they are either probably true or probably false.

Recent Developments: Tylenol and Autism

No Link Between Tylenol and Autism Confirmed

A new review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet found no evidence that acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy increases the risk of autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This finding reinforces existing clinical guidance recommending acetaminophen as the preferred pain and fever treatment for pregnant individuals.

Public Confusion Persists

Despite the scientific consensus, confusion regarding the safety of Tylenol may persist. KFF polling conducted shortly after the Trump administration warned against a potential link between prenatal acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental outcomes in September 2025 found that 77% of the public had heard the unproven claim. While only 4% believed the claim was “definitely true,” 30% considered it “probably true,” and 30% considered it “probably false.” Republicans were more likely than Democrats to believe the claim.

Expert Insight: The conflicting messaging surrounding acetaminophen highlights how trust in different sources—scientists versus elected officials—can significantly shape public perceptions, even in the face of established scientific understanding.

Continued Questioning from Federal Officials

Following the publication of the study, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) questioned its conclusions, stating that “many experts have expressed concern” about a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and outcomes like autism and ADHD. This occurred after President Trump warned against using Tylenol during pregnancy in a post on Truth Social.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the KFF poll say about trust in the CDC?

The latest KFF Tracking Poll finds that just under half (47%) of the public now say they trust the centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at least “a fair amount” to provide reliable information about vaccines.

What did the new study find regarding Tylenol and autism?

How did the public respond to the Trump administration’s warning about Tylenol?

KFF polling found that three-quarters (77%) of the public had heard the unproven claim that taking Tylenol during pregnancy can increase the risk of autism.

As trust in key health institutions fluctuates and misinformation persists, how can individuals best navigate the complex landscape of health information and make informed decisions for themselves and their families?