Political divisions during the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly more divided than those seen in previous disease outbreaks, creating major gaps between Democrats and Republicans in concerns about infection and attitudes toward vaccines, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health.

While partisanship or these political divides have long influenced public health responses in the United States, the study shows that COVID-19 represented a turning point. Political identity became closely tied to attitudes toward masking, social distancing and vaccination, making it more difficult for public health officials to set effective measures.

Trust in government, a critical factor for vaccine uptake and adherence to health guidelines, was particularly affected,

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