CDC Trust & Vaccine Confidence Plummets After Schedule Changes: KFF Poll

Public trust in U.S. Federal health agencies, particularly the centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is at a low point following recent changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule. These shifts, initiated by the Trump administration and continuing into President Trump’s second term, have reduced the number of diseases routinely targeted for vaccination from 17 to 11, a move that positions the U.S. As an outlier among comparable nations.

Erosion of Trust and Confidence

Changes to the Schedule and Public Reaction

In the weeks following the January announcement, the latest data reveals that fewer than half of U.S. Adults (47%) express a “great deal” or “fair amount” of trust in the CDC for reliable vaccine information – the lowest level recorded since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline is particularly pronounced among Democrats, with a 9-percentage point drop in trust since September 2025, falling from 64% to 55%.

Did You Know? The U.S. Is now an outlier among peer nations due to the reduction in the number of diseases targeted for routine childhood vaccination.

Among those aware of the changes – roughly half of U.S. Adults – a majority (54%) believe the adjustments will negatively impact children’s health, while only 26% anticipate a positive effect. This sentiment is sharply divided along partisan lines. A substantial 83% of Democrats aware of the changes foresee a negative impact, compared to 47% of Republicans who believe the changes will be positive.

Confidence in Federal Agencies

Broader confidence in federal health agencies is also waning. More than half of adults (56%) express “little” to “no confidence” in these agencies’ ability to make recommendations regarding childhood vaccine schedules. This lack of confidence extends to other core responsibilities, including ensuring vaccine safety and effectiveness (46%), making science-based decisions (38%), and operating independently (34%).

Expert Insight: The decline in public trust in federal health agencies, coupled with partisan divisions, highlights the challenges in maintaining public health initiatives and underscores the importance of transparent communication and evidence-based decision-making.

Support for the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement, comprised largely of Republicans and MAGA supporters (65% and 53% respectively), mirrors the broader trend of diminished trust in federal health agencies, with only 45% expressing confidence in their recommendations.

Vaccine Safety and Confidence Levels

Varied Confidence in Specific Vaccines

While confidence remains high in the safety of longstanding vaccines like those for polio (82%) and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) (81%), confidence is lower for vaccines that have recently shifted from universal recommendation to shared clinical decision-making. Majorities also express confidence in the safety of hepatitis B (70%) and flu vaccines (65%), though fewer report being “very confident.”

Confidence in the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for children is significantly lower, with fewer than half of adults (48%) expressing confidence, and only one in four feeling “very confident.” This division is particularly stark along partisan lines: 79% of Democrats versus only 28% of Republicans express confidence in the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine for children.

Looking Ahead

The current climate of distrust could lead to further declines in vaccination rates, potentially increasing the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases. Ongoing public discourse and further clarification from health officials could help to rebuild trust, but this remains uncertain. Analysts expect continued scrutiny of federal health agencies and their policies, particularly as the 2025 changes are fully implemented. A possible next step could involve increased efforts to communicate the rationale behind the changes and address public concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What changes were made to the childhood vaccine schedule?

The Trump administration reduced the number of diseases targeted for routine vaccination from 17 to 11, beginning in January and with further changes slated for October 2025.

How has trust in the CDC changed recently?

Trust in the CDC has declined to its lowest level since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 9-percentage point drop among Democrats since September 2025.

Are people confident in the safety of all childhood vaccines?

Confidence is high in the safety of polio and MMR vaccines, but lower for COVID-19, flu, and hepatitis B vaccines, particularly among Republicans.

As public trust in health agencies continues to evolve, what role do you believe clear and transparent communication will play in shaping future health outcomes?