The COVID-19 pandemic has reignited a heated debate about vaccine safety, with many Americans questioning who to trust for information on vaccines. While public confidence in vaccine safety remains high overall, the level of trust varies significantly depending on one’s party affiliation.
According to recent polling data, 83% of people have confidence in measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, followed by flu vaccines at 74%. However, COVID-19 vaccine confidence plummets to 56%, with mRNA Covid vaccines receiving the lowest trust level at just 32%.
The disparity is not due to concerns about safety but rather a lack of understanding. A staggering 52% say they don’t know enough to make an informed decision. Even supporters of former President Trump, who have been vocal critics of COVID-19 vaccines, are among those unsure.
Low public trust in vaccine safety is not unique to one party. A recent survey found that only 14% of the public has confidence in federal health agencies like the CDC and FDA. This decline in trust can be attributed to several factors, including partisan divisions, misinformation on social media, and a lack of traditional sources for scientific information.
The polarization surrounding vaccines has resulted in stark differences between Democrats and Republicans. While 87% of Democrats believe COVID-19 vaccines are safe, only 30% of Republicans share the same sentiment. This divide is not new, as polling data from 2020 reveals a similar pattern on other vaccine-related questions.
In light of these findings, experts stress that the public’s reliance on social media for information on vaccines is misguided. Family and friends may provide imperfect sources of scientific information, leading to confusion and mistrust.
Ultimately, the erosion of vaccine trust cannot be attributed solely to concerns about safety but rather to broader societal issues, including politics and distrust in science institutions.
Source: https://www.kff.org/from-drew-altman/the-problem-isnt-trust-in-vaccines-its-that-people-dont-know-who-to-trust