The data: Most consumers aren’t too familiar with the CDC’s recent COVID-19 vaccine guideline changes, and those who have heard about them say the updates are unlikely to affect their decision to get the shot, according to an October 2025 Pew Research Center survey of over 5,000 US adults.
Catch up quick: The CDC used to recommend the COVID-19 vaccines for just about everyone. But its new guidance emphasises “shared clinical decision-making,” which means patients (or parents of children) decide in conjunction with their doctor. Medical associations have flagged that shared decision-making isn't clear enough and doesn't stress the need to vaccinate high-risk populations.
Digging into the data: Just 15% of US adults say they know a lot about the CDC’s new guidelines, per Pew. Nearly half (44%) reported knowing nothing at all.
The CDC’s changes won’t move the needle on COVID-19 vaccination decisions.
- Only 12% of those who know a bit about the updated vaccine guidance say it affects their decision to get the shot.
- 63% say it does not influence their decision at all.
Why it matters: Even though COVID-19 vaccination rates have significantly declined in recent years—particularly among young and healthy people—plenty of folks still want to get the latest version of the shot.
- About 4 in 10 respondents say they either want to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine (26%) or already received it (13%).
- Although the majority of respondents don’t want the COVID-19 shot, this sentiment is heavily influenced by the 83% of Republicans who say they won’t get it.
- 44% of Democrats want the shot, and another 20% have already received it.
Implications for pharma: Pew’s findings suggest that decisions about the updated shot hinge on factors beyond public health guidance. Most folks likely discuss these choices with their family, healthcare providers, and pharmacists.
COVID-19 vaccine makers can partner with medical groups and pharmacies to disseminate information through traditional and digital media. Communication shouldn’t challenge CDC guidance or politicize the issue, but should explain where to get the shot, note any insurance changes, provide resources for folks to ask questions, and outline special considerations for people with certain medical conditions.