COVID-19 & Politics

Dealing with coronavirus has declined as a policy priority, especially among Republicans. This marks a shift from last year, when the economy and the coronavirus both topped the public’s policy agenda.

Trust in scientists and medical scientists has fallen below pre-pandemic levels, with 29% of U.S. adults saying they have a great deal of confidence in medical scientists to act in the best interests of the public. This is down from 40% in November 2020 and 35% in January 2019, before COVID-19 emerged. Other prominent groups – including the military, police officers and public school principals – have also seen their ratings decline.

Americans are increasingly critical of the response to COVID-19 from elected officeholders and public health officials. Positive ratings of public health officials, such as those at the CDC, have fallen 10 points since August. And 60% of U.S. adults say they’ve felt confused as a result of changes to recommendations on how to slow the spread of COVID-19.

53% of parents of K-12 students say schools in the United States should be providing a mix of in-person and online instruction this winter.

37% of U.S. adults say they are following news about the coronavirus outbreak very closely. That is up from 31% in March 2021.

Americans’ views of the economy remain negative; most say prices have gotten worse while job availability has improved.

Americans show more support than opposition for two infrastructure bills; majorities favor raising taxes on large businesses and high-income households.

Looking at respondents to 2020 and 2021 surveys reveals differences in vaccination rates based on where people turned most for COVID-19 news.

As the drive to inoculate more people continues, here are 10 facts about Americans and COVID-19 vaccines.

73% say they are vaccinated, but at least half express confusion, concern over vaccine information and health impacts.