Shift in Vaccine Attitudes Alters U.S. Health Policy
Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, Republican and Christian communities have undergone a major shift in their views on vaccines. Once widely accepted, vaccinations now face growing skepticism in conservative circles, reshaping federal health policy and straining global public health efforts.
Trump Administration Cuts Health Funding
On March 27, the Trump administration announced it would cut 20,000 jobs from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in a government efficiency push led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A day earlier, The New York Times reported that the White House intends to slash foreign aid targeting infectious disease prevention and vaccinations.
HHS also revealed that $11.4 billion in COVID-era funding for local health departments would be redirected toward chronic disease prevention under the slogan “Make America Healthy Again.”
Vaccine Resistance in Religious Communities
Resistance to vaccines is especially strong among evangelicals and homeschool advocates. Fort Worth megachurch pastor Landon Schott praised his school’s 14.3% MMR vaccination rate, celebrating what he called “freedom of health.” Texas State Rep. Nate Schatzline echoed this praise on social media.
However, San Antonio Catholic Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller issued a sharp rebuke, affirming that Catholic schools would not accept non-medical vaccine exemptions.
Measles Outbreaks Rise in Undervaccinated Communities
Texas is now facing the country’s largest measles outbreak, with 327 cases and one death. The epicenter is a Mennonite community in Gaines County with widespread vaccine hesitancy. Other affected states include Kansas, New Mexico, and Ohio.
Public health experts warn that vaccination rates have dropped below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. HHS funding cuts have further hampered the ability of local health officials to respond.
Growing Distrust in Institutions Fuels Movement
Republican trust in federal health agencies has plummeted. Instead, many conservatives trust figures like Trump and Kennedy more than institutions like the CDC or the FDA. Among evangelicals, skepticism of authority has contributed to a boom in homeschooling, homeopathy, and vaccine refusal.
As of January 2025, Republican trust in federal institutions has dropped to an all-time low, particularly with the CDC (39%), HHS (42%) and FDA (39%). Comparatively, 84% trust Trump and 81% trust Kennedy, while 84% respect the opinions of their personal doctors. Gallup reports only 26% of Republicans find it “extremely important” to vaccinate kids, while 26% say its “slightly important,” and 19% say it isn’t important — compared to only 2% of Democrats.
Medical experts urge parents to vaccinate their children to protect vulnerable populations and restore community health.
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Today, vaccine hesitancy is growing and celebrated
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