On Tuesday afternoon, the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP) will unveil a new poll that gauges Ohioans’ opinions on childhood vaccinations. Conducted in October 2025, the poll was commissioned by the Ohio AAP and executed by the Bowling Green State University Democracy and Public Policy Research Network.
The survey consists of 14 questions addressing various aspects of childhood immunizations, including vaccine requirements, perceived benefits and risks, safety concerns, and trusted sources of information. This initiative aims to understand the evolving attitudes towards vaccines, particularly in light of increasing public skepticism since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Findings on Vaccine Perception
The results from the poll, which included responses from 800 registered voters and carries a margin of error of +/-4.5 percentage points, reveal significant support for childhood vaccinations among Ohio residents. Notably, 86% of respondents believe that routine vaccines are either very safe or safe for most children. Furthermore, 89% expressed confidence in their pediatrician or family physician as a reliable source of information regarding vaccines.
A majority, 75%, indicated that they support mandatory vaccinations for children against preventable diseases. The poll highlights a critical reason for this support, with 88% of participants asserting that they believe routine vaccines effectively protect children. The data also indicates a strong backing for the polio vaccine, with 85% of respondents affirming its importance.
Trust in Information Sources
Despite the general confidence in vaccines, the poll also sheds light on the prevailing skepticism towards social media as a source of information. 83% of Ohioans reported that they do not trust social media platforms for reliable vaccine-related information, underscoring a growing concern regarding misinformation.
This poll comes at a time when vaccine reluctance has emerged as a significant public health issue, often referred to as vaccine fatigue. The Ohio AAP aims to use this data to inform strategies that could improve vaccination rates and address concerns among parents.
The release of these findings marks an important step in understanding public sentiment regarding childhood vaccinations in Ohio, potentially guiding future health policies and community health initiatives aimed at ensuring the well-being of children.
