Partisan Vaccine Views Rooted in Science Perceptions

A new study reveals that broader views on science influence partisan gaps for flu and MMR vaccines but not for Covid-19.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in COVID-19

Partisan Vaccine Views Rooted in Science Perceptions

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Does your personal trust in scientific institutions influence how you evaluate the safety of recommended vaccines?

An Annenberg Public Policy Center study published in the American Journal of Public Health finds that perceptions of science correlate with vaccine safety beliefs. Researchers analyzed survey data from 1,763 U.S. adults to understand how political affiliation shapes judgments on MMR, flu, and Covid-19 immunizations.

Why it matters

The study highlights how fundamental attitudes toward scientific institutions contribute to partisan divides regarding public health. Understanding these links is crucial for identifying why certain medical interventions face varying levels of public acceptance.

In a survey of 1,763 U.S. adults, the MMR vaccine held the highest safety and effectiveness ratings, while the Covid-19 vaccine received the lowest scores. Researchers utilized the FASS model to evaluate these perceptions across five dimensions of science.

The players

Annenberg Public Policy Center

This research center based in Philadelphia conducts studies on public communication and its influence on political and social policy.

The details

The research shows that while general benefits of science influence views on MMR and flu shots, partisan differences remain a distinct factor specifically for Covid-19 vaccines. Statistically significant gaps exist between Republicans and Democrats regarding their safety and effectiveness assessments of the Covid-19 immunization.

Survey data for the study was collected in November 2024.
The findings were published in the American Journal of Public Health in October 2026.

The Big Picture

The study employs the FASS model to quantify how public trust in scientific processes affects specific health-related decision-making behaviors. This research extends the use of the FASS model by applying its metrics to identify the specific drivers of partisan sentiment regarding different vaccine types.

Understanding how scientific perceptions influence vaccine beliefs may help individuals recognize the sources of their own health-related skepticism. These findings underscore that different vaccines may require tailored communication strategies to address specific public concerns.

The takeaway

The research suggests that addressing general skepticism toward science might only partially bridge gaps in vaccine acceptance. Public health communicators may need to develop distinct messaging strategies when addressing vaccines that have become deeply politicized.