Declining Vaccination Rates, Eroding Trust in CDC Fuel Respiratory Illness Concerns
A concerning trend of declining vaccination rates for common respiratory illnesses – COVID-19, influenza, and RSV – coupled with a significant drop in public trust in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is raising alarms among public health experts. New survey data, presented this week by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), reveals a growing hesitancy and confusion surrounding respiratory vaccines, potentially setting the stage for a more severe illness season.
According to the NFID survey of over 1,000 U.S. adults, only 45% received at least one respiratory vaccine since September. Uptake rates varied significantly, with influenza vaccines leading at 34%, followed by COVID-19 at 25%. Pneumococcal and RSV vaccinations lagged considerably behind, at 8% and 6% respectively. This represents a decrease in vaccination rates compared to 2024.
A particularly troubling finding is the dwindling trust in the CDC as a reliable source of vaccine information. The survey showed that only 13% of respondents considered the CDC trustworthy, tied with social media as the second most trusted source – a stark contrast to the 44% who prioritized healthcare professionals. This “emerging generational shift in trusted sources,” as described in the study, highlights a critical challenge for public health messaging.
“We need to go where people are,” stated a former CDC Director during the NFID briefing. “We need to collaborate with influencers who are prominent in social media. It’s possible to promote reliable information.”
Another former CDC Director expressed “jaw dropping” dismay at the low level of trust in the agency, noting that the CDC’s website had historically been a gold standard for accurate and vetted data. “It’s been really disturbing to see what I’ll call a ‘hijacking’ of that website by people who are posting things that are not cleared by subject matter experts within the CDC and I think that’s part of the issue,” she said.
The survey also pinpointed key barriers to vaccination. Safety concerns regarding vaccine side effects were cited by 16% of those who hadn’t received a flu vaccine, while 13% simply believed they “never get sick.” Similar concerns were prevalent for COVID-19 vaccines, with 20% citing side effects and 12% reporting a lack of recommendation from their healthcare provider. Unclear guidance on respiratory vaccinations was a significant factor for 44% of respondents, contributing to their decision not to get vaccinated.
“These insights underscore the complexity of this season and the urgency of providing people with clear, evidence-based information to help inform their decisions to get vaccinated,” said an NFID medical director.
Data shared by the NFID revealed a concerning decline in vaccine administration between 2024 and 2025. COVID-19 vaccinations decreased by 27% (from 24.2 million to 17.8 million doses), RSV vaccinations dropped by 34% (from 2.4 million to 1.6 million doses), and influenza vaccinations saw a 6% decrease (from 34.4 million to 32.4 million doses). Notably, pneumococcal conjugate vaccination saw a 27% increase (from 1.5 million to 2 million doses).
“These numbers aren’t just statistics. They represent real gaps in protection that could translate into more illness, more hospitalizations and loss of lives,” a medical director emphasized.
The findings were announced alongside news that the CDC’s vaccine advisors recently voted to no longer recommend the hepatitis B virus birth dose for all newborns.
Experts are urging individuals to receive their respiratory vaccinations this season, particularly given concerns about a potentially severe flu season. “Last year, we had more pediatric deaths from influenza than we’ve had in the last 15 years, and among the most important things that you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get a flu vaccine, a COVID vaccine and an RSV vaccine if you’re eligible,” one expert concluded.
Source: Press Conference
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Disclosures: Frieden, Hopkins and Walensky report no relevant financial disclosures.
