Federal health organizations, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), play an essential role in areas like vaccine safety, according to recent polls.
Five years after the Covid-19 pandemic began, only 42% of Americans believe these federal health agencies can effectively handle new infection outbreaks. This finding comes from a survey released by the nonprofit organization KFF on Tuesday.
The survey indicates that 46% of adults in the U.S. have confidence in the FDA, CDC, and other health agencies to verify that prescription medications are safe and effective.
Furthermore, 45% of participants believe these federal agencies can ensure vaccine safety and efficacy. Around 60% express only a “slight amount” of confidence that the FDA and CDC will provide accurate vaccine information.
In addition, 32% of respondents feel these institutions can operate “independently without outside interference.”
KFF had a similar poll in 2023, which shows that overall trust in federal health agencies has remained mostly steady.
However, the latest poll reveals notable partisan shifts regarding trust in these institutions, particularly as vaccine policies and messaging have evolved under the Trump administration and health officials like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Drew Altman, the president and CEO of KFF, commented that the low confidence in the nation’s scientific institutions, influenced by partisan viewpoints, represents a significant risk if another pandemic occurs.
In 2023, a substantial 86% of Democrats regarded the FDA as a trustworthy source for vaccine information, while 88% trusted the CDC. However, the latest KFF poll shows that this trust has significantly declined.
Currently, Republicans are more inclined to trust these institutions concerning vaccines. Approximately 52% of Republicans now trust the FDA for accurate vaccine information, and 51% feel the same about the CDC. In 2023, these numbers were lower, with only 42% trusting the FDA and 51% trusting the CDC.
The survey was conducted from April 8 to 15, 2025, involving 1,380 adults in the U.S., with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
