Trust in CDC at Low Point Amid Vaccine Schedule Changes

Feb 7, 2026, 2:28 AM
HealthMedicinePolitics
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A recent KFF Tracking Poll indicates that public trust in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has plummeted, particularly following the Trump administration's announcement of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule. The survey, conducted in January 2025, shows that only 47% of Americans trust the CDC for reliable vaccine information, a stark contrast to the 85% trust reported six years ago.
The trust deficit is particularly pronounced among Democrats, whose confidence has dropped from 88% in September 2023 to just 55% in early 2025, marking a significant 33-point decrease within 16 months. Meanwhile, trust among Republicans stands at 43%, with independents slightly higher at 46%. This decline in confidence reflects a broader trend of skepticism toward federal health agencies, with 56% of respondents expressing "little" to "no confidence" in their recommendations for childhood vaccines.
The recent changes to the childhood vaccination schedule have sparked considerable concern among parents and the general public. Approximately 54% of those aware of the revisions believe they will negatively impact children's health, while only 26% view the changes positively. Among Democrats, this sentiment is even more pronounced, with 83% expressing concerns about the health implications for children.
Conversely, nearly half of Republicans who are aware of the changes believe they will have a positive impact, highlighting a clear partisan divide on this issue.
The CDC's recent overhaul reduces the number of diseases for which vaccination is recommended from 17 to 11, positioning the US as an outlier among peer nations. The updated recommendations also shift several vaccines, including COVID-19 and flu, from universal recommendations to a framework of shared clinical decision-making, which requires discussions between parents and healthcare providers.
These policy changes have not only altered the landscape of childhood vaccinations but also affected public perception of the CDC and federal health agencies. A significant portion of the population, 53%, reported that the changes made them less trusting of these agencies, while only 14% felt their trust had increased.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has publicly stated that the changes aim to "rebuild trust in public health," yet the current data suggests the opposite effect. The erosion of trust is further reflected in Kennedy's job approval ratings, with 55% of Americans disapproving of his performance as HHS Secretary and 57% disapproving of his handling of US vaccine policy.
The KFF poll also reveals varying levels of confidence in the safety of specific vaccines. While 82% of adults express confidence in the safety of polio vaccines and 81% in measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, only 48% feel similarly about COVID-19 vaccines for children. This disparity underscores the impact of political affiliations on vaccine perceptions, with 79% of Democrats confident in the COVID-19 vaccine's safety compared to just 28% of Republicans.
As public trust in federal health agencies continues to fluctuate, the implications for childhood vaccination rates and public health initiatives may be significant. The KFF Tracking Poll highlights the urgent need for federal health agencies to address the growing public skepticism and restore confidence in vaccine recommendations.
In summary, the KFF Tracking Poll paints a concerning picture of public trust in the CDC and federal health agencies amidst significant changes to the childhood vaccine schedule. The partisan divide in perceptions regarding vaccine safety and efficacy further complicates the public health narrative, indicating a challenging road ahead for health officials seeking to rebuild trust among the American populace.

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