Americans’ Declining Confidence in Vaccines: A Concerning Trend
A new survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania reveals that Americans are becoming less inclined to consider the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), pneumonia, and Covid-19 vaccines as safe and effective compared to their beliefs in April 2021. Vaccine misinformation, which initially emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic, has continued to thrive in the United States over the years.
The survey collected responses from over 1,500 adults between October 5th and 12th. The results demonstrate a worrisome increase in the number of individuals who perceive vaccines as unsafe and less effective compared to their beliefs in April 2021, when the group was first included in the survey panel. Additionally, there has been a rise in the percentage of people who hold misconceptions about vaccines causing autism, cancer, or other illnesses such as the flu or Covid-19.
The survey highlights a concerning decline in public trust, with 71% of Americans now believing that vaccines approved for use in the US are safe, down 6 percentage points from April 2021. Furthermore, the number of adults who doubt the safety of approved vaccines has almost doubled, increasing from 9% to 16% within the same timeframe.
Kathleen Hall Jamieson, the director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center and the survey, expressed deep concern regarding these findings. She warned, “There are warning signs in these data that we ignore at our peril. Growing numbers now distrust health-protecting, life-saving vaccines.” Jamieson expressed surprise at the data, emphasizing that misinformation levels increased as the pandemic was winding down. She stated, “For a worrisome part of the population, the rhetoric surrounding COVID vaccination increased acceptance of misinformation and decreased confidence in vaccines.”
One example of misinformation is the persistent myth that vaccines are linked to autism, which has been debunked by numerous studies. However, the survey reveals an increase in the number of people who believe there is a connection, rising from 10% in April 2021 to 16% in the last month.
To combat health misinformation, the Biden administration has taken steps to address the issue. In 2021, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned that health misinformation poses a serious threat to public health and urged individuals to take responsibility in limiting its spread. Experts assert that misinformation contributes to vaccine hesitancy and stress the importance of providing accessible information that explains the biology of the immune system and addresses concerns about overwhelming it.
Factors influencing vaccine decisions also include past vaccination history, with previous vaccination serving as a predictor of future vaccination. Relying on credible mainstream media sources is associated with higher trust in public health experts and greater knowledge about vaccination and Covid-19. Additionally, understanding the safety of past vaccines and the rigorous approval process conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can positively impact vaccine acceptance.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has released a Community Toolkit on health misinformation that offers guidance on how to verify health-related content. The toolkit advises individuals to consult their healthcare providers, the CDC, or their local public health departments to evaluate the veracity of claims. Online searches can also help determine if a claim has been verified by credible sources such as government agencies or peer-reviewed medical journals. Ultimately, it is crucial not to share content online if its validity is uncertain.
This concerning decline in Americans’ confidence in vaccines calls for immediate attention and action. Addressing the misinformation epidemic and providing accurate, accessible information is essential to combat vaccine hesitancy and protect public health.
Contributors: Deidre McPhillips and Amanda Muse (CNN Health)
