Trust in U. S. Vaccines Drops as Debate Heats Up

A recent survey shows that only 60 % of Americans now trust the government’s advice on childhood vaccines, down from 71 % last June. The change follows a new schedule introduced in January by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , which cut the number of universally recommended vaccines from about 17 to 11, a move that mirrors Denmark’s approach. Under the updated plan, vaccines for rotavirus, flu, COVID‑19, hepatitis A and B, and meningococcal disease are now suggested only for high‑risk groups or after a joint decision by parents and doctors. Core shots for measles, polio, and pertussis remain routine. The shift has sparked legal battles. A federal judge in Massachusetts temporarily halted the changes, calling them “arbitrary and capricious” because they skipped the evidence‑based review usually performed by vaccine committees. The judge also said that ignoring established methods undermines the government’s credibility. In contrast, former President Trump praised the new schedule as “far more reasonable” and said it aligns the U. S. with other developed countries.Public opinion is split. The poll found that 35 % of respondents trust pediatricians more than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which only 8 % cite. Overall, 70 % say they have little or no confidence in health guidance from Kennedy, a level similar to their mistrust of President Trump and congressional leaders. Trust gaps are widest among Democrats, who feel that political appointees—not scientists—are in charge. Despite the controversy, about one‑third of Americans identify with Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement. Nearly 40 % also see no danger in drinking raw milk, a practice Kennedy promotes while criticizing federal regulators. The CDC warns that raw milk is 150 times more likely to cause foodborne illness than pasteurized milk. Most people also view measles and other communicable disease outbreaks as minor threats, with only 36 % seeing them as a moderate or large risk. Kennedy has made several unverified claims about vaccines, such as alleging that the MMR shot contains “aborted fetus debris, ” a claim that has been debunked. He also argues that vitamin A and nutrition alone can prevent measles, ignoring the proven effectiveness of vaccination.