Why 1 in 6 U.S. Parents are Rejecting Vaccine Recommendations

A recent Washington Post–KFF poll sheds new light on U.S. childhood vaccine practices, finding that 1 in 6 parents have delayed or skipped vaccines beyond flu and COVID-19, including critical immunizations like MMR and polio. While the majority of parents still support vaccines, hesitancy is driven largely by concerns about side effects and declining trust in federal health agencies.

Patterns show higher hesitancy among younger parents, those who homeschool, and certain religious groups. For public health communicators, these findings underscore the ongoing need for clear, empathetic, and evidence-based messaging to maintain vaccine confidence and protect communities from preventable outbreaks. Read more from the Washington Post here.