One in six parents delays or skips at a vaccine for children

About one in six parents (16%) say they have delayed or skipped at least one vaccine for their children, other than those for flu and COVID-19, a KFF-Washington Post survey of parents found. Those most likely to report delaying or skipping vaccines include Republican parents (22%), especially those identifying with President Trump’s “Make American Great Again” movement (25%), parents under age 35 (19%), and those who homeschool their child (46%). Large majorities of parents consider long-standing childhood vaccines —  such as ones to prevent measles, mumps, rubella and polio — safe and important. The survey is based on interviews with more than 2,700 parents, including more than 1,000 parents with children under age 6 who are making vaccine decisions post pandemic. (KFF news release, 9/15/25)