(NewsNation) — Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams says there is still a lot of “misinformation circulating” around vaccines in the U.S., despite data indicating that most Americans follow their doctor’s vaccine recommendations.
A January 2025 poll by the non-profit The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease found that nearly 90% of Americans with children under 18 “always or sometimes vaccinate their children based on doctor recommendations.” The poll also found 74% of responders believe the U.S. should prioritize ensuring FDA-approved vaccines are widely available for everyone, and that nearly 70% are concerned with declining vaccination rates among kids.
Adams tells NewsNation that many parents are “overwhelmed” as a result of the mixed messaging coming from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“There’s been a lot of information and misinformation circulating, particularly from HHS and our current health secretary,” Adams said. “We know that parents just want to keep their kids safe, but part of the confusion comes from how fast information changes and how quickly misinformation spreads online.”
In October, Adams and five other former Surgeons General wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post, warning against vaccine policies and positions being put forth by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy has often expressed skepticism around vaccines. Adams says it is okay for parents not to have all the answers.
“The key is having a conversation with your doctor, your nurse, your pharmacist or trusted health care professional, because they know you,” Adams said. “Do not trust people online. Do not trust people from afar who don’t know you and your family.”
Adams said with the flu season ramping up and the holidays around the corner, vaccines can go a long way in keeping families healthy.
“As you’re going into the holidays, my kids are vaccinated for COVID and flu because I don’t want them to miss school. I don’t want them to have their holidays disrupted,” Adams said. “I don’t want them to potentially harm their grandparents when they’re visiting them over the holidays, but talk to your doctor, make sure you’re getting the best information for you.”