What are patients saying about recent vaccine debates? Physician poll results

Vaccine development, safety and efficacy gained new heights of public attention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It turns out, that was just the beginning. Vaccine safety and policy — especially for childhood shots — have become one of the hottest topics across health care as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has led the campaign to Make America Healthy Again.

Kennedy also led a recent press conference with his top HHS aides to discuss developments around autism spectrum disorder research. That includes the claim that women taking acetaminophen during pregnancy could cause neurodevelopmental disorders once an infant is born.

A key question: How are national pronouncements and debates shaping patient feelings in the examination room?

Medical Economics sent out a flash survey to see what physicians are hearing — and 42 respondents agreed, patients are taking notice of pronouncements and public policy.