One in Six US Parents Are Skipping Crucial Childhood Vaccines, a Worrying New Survey Warns

In a shocking new report, it has been revealed that one in every six parents in the United States is skipping or delaying crucial childhood vaccines for kids, worrying experts about serious, disastrous health consequences in the future. The report, a result of a joint investigation by The Washington Post and Kaiser Family Foundation, says the staggering decline in vaccinations could lead to deadly diseases in the near future. Routine childhood vaccines are a part of protection against conditions like measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus – all of which can be life-threatening and have long been considered a cornerstone of modern public health. However, around 16 per cent of parents or guardians say that they have skipped or delayed

at least one recommended vaccine for a child, even if their child was allergic or ill.

Why are parents delaying vaccines?

According to the poll, conducted between July 18 and August 4, 2025, many parents and guardians are delaying vaccines due to:

Fear

Most parents are concerned and fear that the vaccines may have harmful side effects, which include long-term developmental or neurological diseases in the future.

No trust in public health authorities

After the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people say they do not trust public authorities, as there is an increasingly polarised public opinion about vaccines. Less than 50 per cent believe and show any confidence in the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration and do not believe in vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Misinformation

There is a growing skepticism about vaccines – after the coronavirus pandemic – and since then, misinformation across the US has spread widely.

Looking for natural immunity

A lot of parents in the country say they want their children to have a strong immune system through "natural” methods, which include a healthy diet and exposure. The survey includes young parents, mostly those under 35 years of age, with most participants being white and of an extreme religious background.

Experts are worried

Health organisations such as the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Paediatrics firmly maintain their point that childhood vaccines are extremely safe and highly effective in protecting children from future diseases. According to experts, since the vaccines undergo rigorous testing before they are approved, there are no or little chances of any side effects. The CDC maintains that delaying or not administering children's crucial vaccine doses leaves them highly vulnerable to deadly diseases, as the critical period when they need protection the most gets missed.