Mixed messaging undermining public confidence in childhood vaccines, expert warns

Mixed messaging about vaccines is undermining public trust. But people still value their doctor’s opinion when it comes to deciding about vaccinations.

Public Opinion Strategies and Lake Research Partners conducted a nationwide study and found 88% of Americans with children under 18 report they always or sometimes vaccinate their children based on doctor recommendations, and 77% overall typically do the same for themselves.

But 70% of those who responded expressed concern over declining vaccination rates among children.

Candace DeMatteis, vice president for the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease, joined us on The Morning Show and said the public’s confidence about childhood vaccines is fragile because of mixed messaging.