New Survey Shows Public Support for Vaccines Still Strong

Stock.adobe.com

While it may appear that public perception has shifted, a new poll suggests that vaccines are still highly popular and that most people are concerned about dropping vaccine rates.¹

The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID) announced the results of a bipartisan poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and Lake Research Partners. According to the poll, respondents from both major political parties in the US shared similar views on vaccines.

In a press release, Public Opinion Strategies co-founder and partner Neil Newhouse said, “Vaccines remain a critical public health issue with support from voters across the political spectrum. It's important to recognize that despite political differences, Americans recognize a fundamental need to protect themselves, their families, and their communities through vaccines.”

According to the poll, which included registered voters across the US, nearly 70% of respondents showed concern about falling vaccine rates. Nearly three-quarters of respondents said they believed that FDA-approved vaccines should be available and that this should be a priority of the government.

David Mermin, partner at Lake Research Partners, explained, “Despite political divides on some health issues, it is heartening to see a clear consensus around the importance of vaccines in protecting American families. Ensuring access to accurate information and maintaining trust in healthcare providers will be key to sustaining this support.”

The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease’s policy director Candace DeMatteis also said, “This poll underscores a fundamental truth: protecting our health through vaccination is not a partisan issue. Notably, vaccines like the ones for polio, measles, and many other serious pathogens are widely regarded as vital for public health. Americans understand the benefits of vaccines in safeguarding our children and communities, and we must continue to prioritize access to vaccines and to credible scientific information to inform decisions.”

The PFID conducted a similar poll last April, this time with Lake Research Partners working with The Tarrance Group.² That poll found similar results, although it did note a growing concern surrounding a lack of trust in the healthcare industry and important sources of information.

Former governor Howard Dean was quoted in a press release at the time saying, “Maintaining trust in our public health infrastructure is essential, regardless of party affiliation. Over the past several years we have seen increased politicization of vaccines, which has only exacerbated anxiety and uncertainty. The role of political leaders in public health is to help maintain trust, not tear it down.”

Dr Angela Branche, associate professor of medicine at the University of Rochester and a member of PFID public policy and advocacy committee, also said, “While it is reassuring that so many respondents trust the science to get their kids and themselves vaccinated, it’s clear – and these findings show – that there is still more work to be done to remind everyone that vaccines protect families and their communities. As the health care industry works to develop new vaccines to address a number of diseases, we must recommit ourselves to educating patients and medical professionals on the benefits of routine vaccination.”

Sources

1. New Poll: Majority of Americans Support Keeping Vaccines Widely Available to Protect Children and Communities. Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease. January 29, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250129993579/en/New-Poll-Majority-of-Americans-Support-Keeping-Vaccines-Widely-Available-to-Protect-Children-and-Communities
2. New Polling Highlights Vaccine Safety Confidence, Concerns Around Trusted Sources of Information. Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease. April 15, 2024. Accessed January 30, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240415155653/en/New-Polling-Highlights-Vaccine-Safety-Confidence-Concerns-Around-Trusted-Sources-of-Information