Analysis: Parents’ confidence in vaccine safety rises after COVID, but more oppose vaccine mandates

New analysis of parent opinions on vaccines shows a shift in attitudes about school mandates, but not vaccine safety (Source: “Pandemic changed attitudes toward mandating childhood vaccinations,” CIDRAP News, June 7).
 
The new analysis of 21 polls conducted before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, published in Heath Affairs, bring to light the complicated relationship between COVID-19 vaccines, parental choice and public health.

Before the pandemic, polls showed 54% to 61% of Americans believed childhood vaccines are "very safe," and that rose to 70% by the end of 2022, the analysis found.
 
The polls that were analyzed were conducted from 2015 to 2023 and showed that support for mandating vaccination for school attendance decreased following the pandemic and was related to an increased opposition to any sort of vaccine mandate or regulation.