A new KFF Tracking Poll highlights a growing challenge for public health communication: trust in vaccines remains relatively strong, while trust in federal health institutions continues to decline. Fewer than half of U.S. adults now report trusting the CDC for vaccine information following recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule, and among those aware of the changes, most expect a negative impact on children’s health.

At the same time, confidence in the safety of long-standing vaccines such as MMR and polio remains high across demographic groups. These findings underscore the importance of addressing institutional trust and transparency as distinct—but critical—components of effective public health communication. Read the article from KFF here.

To support deeper understanding of these trends, KFF has also launched an interactive dashboard compiling five years of polling on public trust in health information, vaccine attitudes, and use of news, social media, and AI for health information here.

Resources from the Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) support clear, evidence-based messaging following recent changes to federal childhood vaccine recommendations. While federal guidance has shifted, leading physician organizations continue to recommend vaccinating all children according to the previous, well-established immunization schedule.

PHCC’s ready-to-post graphics help communicators explain what the changes do—and do not—mean for parents and caregivers, emphasizing continued access to essential vaccines and trusted clinical guidance. Designed for easy sharing, these materials equip public health professionals to address confusion, reinforce confidence in routine childhood immunization, and direct families to authoritative sources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommended immunization schedule. Find them here.

The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) warns that a proposed Department of Education rule excluding public health degrees from the “professional degree” category could significantly affect the nation’s public health workforce. The change would limit access to federal financial aid and higher loan limits, increasing financial barriers for students, particularly those from historically excluded communities.

ASPPH leaders argue the policy may reduce enrollment in graduate public health programs at a time of workforce shortages and growing health challenges, including infectious diseases, climate-related disasters, and mental health needs. ASPPH is engaging policymakers and hosting a media briefing to highlight potential implications for workforce capacity and community health resilience. Read more from ASPPH here.