KFF Tracking Poll: Declining Trust in U.S. Health Agencies Amid Shifting Vaccine Attitudes

by mandymorgan January 28, 2025

Public trust in health agencies is on the decline, according to the latest KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust. This ongoing trend, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, shows a marked decrease in confidence in key government institutions like the CDC and FDA. Trust in the CDC has dropped from 66% in 2023 to 61% in 2025, with similar declines for the FDA (65% to 53%) and state and local public health officials (64% to 54%). These declines are most pronounced among Republicans, highlighting a widening partisan gap in perceptions of public health institutions.

Partisan Divide in Trust and Leadership

The poll reveals stark contrasts in trust levels for health officials under President Donald Trump’s administration. While about four in ten Americans trust President Trump (42%), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (43%), and Dr. Mehmet Oz (43%) to make health recommendations, these figures are driven by Republican support. Around 84% of Republicans express trust in these leaders, a level comparable to trust in their personal doctors. Meanwhile, only 7-14% of Democrats feel similarly.

Shifting Attitudes Toward Vaccines

Support for childhood vaccinations remains strong but is showing signs of erosion, particularly among Republicans and parents. While 82% of parents report keeping their children up-to-date on vaccines like MMR, 17% now delay or skip some shots—a rise from 10% in 2023. This shift is driven by Republican parents, with 26% now reporting delays, double the rate from two years ago. Misinformation, such as the debunked claim linking MMR vaccines to autism, persists, influencing vaccine hesitancy. Parents open to this myth are four times more likely to delay vaccinations.

COVID-19 Myths and Pandemic Preparedness

Misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines is becoming entrenched. Nearly half (46%) of adults have heard the false claim that more people have died from vaccines than the virus, with belief in this myth rising among Republicans. Despite declining trust, 40% of Americans believe the U.S. is better prepared for another pandemic than it was in 2020.

Public School Vaccine Mandates and Bird Flu Concerns

Support for school vaccination requirements remains high, with 83% of adults favoring mandates with health and religious exceptions. However, misconceptions about the federal government’s role persist. Meanwhile, awareness of H5N1 bird flu remains low, with 44% expressing concern about a potential outbreak.

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