On Tuesday afternoon, the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP) plans to unveil findings from a new poll assessing Ohioans’ attitudes toward childhood vaccinations. Conducted in October 2025 by the Bowling Green State University Democracy and Public Policy Research Network, the poll comprises 14 questions covering vaccine requirements, perceived benefits and risks, and trust in information sources regarding vaccinations.
The findings come amid growing concerns about vaccine hesitancy, which has emerged as a public health challenge since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many parents have become increasingly wary of immunizations, including the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
According to the poll, which surveyed 800 registered voters and has a margin of error of +/-4.5 percentage points, a significant majority of Ohio residents support vaccinations for children. Specifically, 86% believe that routine vaccines are very safe or safe for most children. Additionally, 89% expressed confidence in their pediatricians or family physicians as reliable sources of information for making informed decisions about vaccines.
Support for mandatory vaccinations is similarly high, with 75% of respondents stating that parents should be required to vaccinate their children against preventable diseases. An impressive 88% indicated that a major reason for supporting routine childhood vaccine requirements is the belief in the vaccines’ effectiveness in protecting children.
On the issue of information sources, the poll revealed a lack of trust in social media. A striking 83% of Ohioans do not trust their social media feeds at all or only slightly when it comes to reliable vaccine information. This statistic underscores the importance of traditional medical advice as opposed to online discourse.
The Ohio AAP’s initiative reflects a broader commitment to addressing vaccine hesitancy and ensuring that parents have access to credible information. As concerns about public health continue to evolve, the results of this poll may play a crucial role in shaping future health policies and community outreach efforts regarding childhood immunizations.
As Ohio grapples with these public health challenges, the emphasis on reliable information and community trust in healthcare professionals remains pivotal. The Ohio AAP aims to bolster this trust and encourage informed decisions among parents as they navigate vaccination options for their children.
