Uncertainty surrounds false vaccine claims, KFF poll finds

A KFF poll found that although few Americans believe common vaccine myths, many remain uncertain about their accuracy, highlighting an opportunity for healthcare stakeholders to dispel misinformation. The poll found 66% of adults have heard the false claim that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines have been proven to cause autism in children, and 46% have heard the claim that more people died from COVID vaccines than from the virus itself. However, fewer than 10% of respondents believed the myths, and at least half of respondents expressed uncertainty. The poll found adults who have a trusted healthcare provider are less likely to believe the myths. Conducted May 7 through May 31, the poll is based on a nationally representative sample of 2,480 U.S. adults. (KFF news release, 6/30/26)