A new Pew Research Center report finds strong overall support for childhood vaccines in the U.S., but that support is showing signs of erosion. While most adults say vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) should be required for public school, concerns over side effects, personal freedom, and misinformation continue to rise .
7 in 10 Americans support vaccine requirements for school
Overall, 70% of U.S. adults believe healthy children should be required to get the MMR vaccine to attend public school. That number, however, has dropped from 82% in 2019.
Here’s how views break down:
- 70% support vaccine mandates for public school
- 28% say parents should decide
- 2% are unsure or gave no answer
Support is highest among Democrats (85%) and older adults (77% among those 65+). Republicans are more divided, with just 56% supporting mandates.
Fewer parents see vaccines as “very important”
Among parents with children under 18, just 52% now say that vaccinating kids against MMR is “very important”—down sharply from 65% in 2019.
Pew researchers point to multiple factors driving the decline:
- Political polarization after the COVID-19 pandemic
- Rising concern about side effects and long-term impacts
- Mistrust in government health agencies
- Confusion between childhood vaccines and newer vaccines like COVID-19
Among Republican parents, just 35% say MMR vaccines are very important, compared to 70% of Democratic parents.
Trust in public health officials is deeply split
One of the report’s clearest signals: trust in public health institutions has become sharply partisan.
- 73% of Democrats trust CDC recommendations on childhood vaccines
- Only 34% of Republicans do the same
- Older adults and college graduates show significantly more trust than younger, less educated adults
This trust gap is one reason why support for vaccine mandates is declining faster among conservatives and younger Americans.
Most parents still vaccinate—but watch for new resistance
Despite the rising doubts, the vast majority of parents still say their children are vaccinated:
- 82% of parents report their child has had the MMR vaccine
- 93% say their pediatrician recommended it
- Only 5% report actively refusing or delaying all vaccines
However, Pew notes a growing “maybe” group: parents who say they’re hesitant but not fully opposed. This group is most influenced by social media, peer networks, and alternative medicine sources.
What’s next: Expect policy debates and public campaigns
As support for mandates declines, some states may face pressure to loosen requirements or expand exemptions. Public health agencies may also ramp up education efforts.
Key questions to watch:
- Will vaccine rates drop if more exemptions are allowed?
- Can public trust be rebuilt through local, nonpartisan health voices?
- Will schools become flashpoints in the vaccine debate?
Pew’s findings suggest this debate isn’t going away—especially in an election year.
Key takeaways
- Support for childhood vaccine mandates remains high, but it’s dropped 12 points since 2019.
- Parental concern is highest among Republicans, younger adults, and those without a college degree.
- Most children are still vaccinated—but hesitancy is spreading, especially through online channels.
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