Editorial illustration for Survey: 1 in 5 adults misinterpret shared decisionmaking on vaccines
Vaccine Decisions: 1 in 5 Adults Misunderstand Guidance
Survey: 1 in 5 adults misinterpret shared decisionmaking on vaccines
Why does this matter? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently backed a “shared decisionmaking” approach for COVID‑19 vaccines, a stance that has sparked debate across political and health circles. Critics argue the language blurs the line between recommendation and personal choice, while supporters claim it respects individual autonomy.
Yet the public’s grasp of the term appears shaky. While the policy aims to empower patients, a recent poll suggests many are walking away with a different impression. The Annenberg Public Policy Center fielded 1,700 adults in August, asking how they interpret the CDC’s guidance.
The results reveal a gap between official intent and everyday understanding—a gap that could shape how vaccination campaigns are received. Here’s the thing: the data point to a notable portion of respondents linking “shared decisionmaking” with the notion that vaccines might not suit everyone, and even hinting at coercion. The full finding reads:
A survey of 1,700 adults conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center in August found that one in five people thought that shared decisionmaking means "taking the vaccine may not be a good idea for everyone but would benefit some." She says it also suggests that the CDC was somehow forcing people to get vaccinated. In reality, the CDC only issues guidance on the optimal time to receive vaccines in order to best protect against disease. States and local jurisdictions set vaccine requirements for school entry.
Parents have always been able to opt out of vaccines for their children, and in fact, the number of parents seeking vaccine exemptions for their school-aged children is rising nationally, reaching a record 3.6 percent for the 2024-25 school year, up from 2.5 percent in 2019-20. Scott says that shared clinical decisionmaking is being used as a political instrument to downgrade vaccines without explicitly banning them or taking them off the market.
Kennedy’s first year has already reshaped the CDC’s vaccine guidance. By dropping universal recommendations for six childhood shots and substituting “shared clinical decisionmaking,” the agency has taken an unprecedented step. The mantra echoes through the Make America Healthy Against movement, and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya now oversees the CDC on an interim basis.
A recent Annenberg survey of 1,700 adults reveals that 20 percent interpret shared decisionmaking as a signal that vaccines may not be universally advisable, but could help some individuals. Some respondents even think the CDC is coercing choices. This misreading underscores a gap between policy intent and public perception.
Public confusion grows. Can the approach bridge the gap? Whether the new approach will alter vaccination rates or public trust remains uncertain; the data do not yet show measurable outcomes.
Critics argue that the shift could complicate messaging, while supporters claim it respects individual circumstances. In the absence of clear evidence on impact, the policy’s effectiveness is still an open question.
Further Reading
- Confusion surrounds CDC's 'shared clinical decision-making' paradigm for childhood vaccines - CIDRAP
- How do I offer the new shared decision-making vaccines? - ImmunizeOrg
- COVID Vaccine: CDC Adopts ACIP Recommendations for 2025/2026 Schedules - LeadingAge
- CDC advises 'shared decision-making' for children's COVID shots - AONL
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Common Questions Answered
What did the Annenberg Public Policy Center survey reveal about public understanding of shared decisionmaking?
The survey of 1,700 adults found that one in five people misinterpreted shared decisionmaking as meaning vaccines might not be good for everyone. This misunderstanding suggests significant confusion about the CDC's vaccine guidance approach.
How has the CDC's approach to vaccine recommendations changed in recent years?
The CDC has dropped universal recommendations for six childhood shots and replaced them with a 'shared clinical decisionmaking' approach. This new strategy represents an unprecedented shift in how vaccine guidance is communicated to the public.
What misconceptions do people have about the CDC's shared decisionmaking policy?
Some people incorrectly believe that shared decisionmaking implies the CDC is forcing vaccination or that vaccines may not be beneficial for everyone. In reality, the CDC simply provides guidance on optimal vaccine timing to protect against disease.